Authorities have issued a cyclone blue alert from Mardie to Ningaloo on the northwest cape of the Pilbara in Western Australia.
A tropical low is predicted to track over land, roughly parallel to the Pilbara coast on February 2, before moving offshore and then rapidly intensifying into a cyclone on Wednesday.
The next tropical cyclone in the Australian region will be named Marian.
Areas near the northwest cape are being urged to prepare for wind gusts of up to 85km/h and heavy rain.
Port Hedland, Karratha and eastern parts of the Pilbara are now out of the path of the low pressure system, but a severe weather warning is still in place, with heavy rainfall and strong winds predicted.
People are being warned to secure boats, caravans and other loose items outside including LPG bottles, and have their emergency kits ready.
Authorities say residents should check in with friends and neighbours, while visitors and tourists should leave the warning area.
Communities between De Grey and Mardie in the Pilbara have been told that wind and storm surge dangers have passed.
But they have been told to beware of storm damage such as downed powerlines and not to drive though floodwaters.
A flood warning is in place for the west Kimberley district, and minor flood warnings have been issued for the Fitzroy River and De Grey River catchment.
A flood watch is current for the Sandy Desert and Pilbara catchments.
