A cyclone forming off Western Australia could smash parts of the Pilbara or Kimberley in coming days. 

The tropical low is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone on Sunday afternoon as it tracks west-southwest. 

The system is expected to intensify further over the next few days as it moves parallel to the Kimberley Coast. 

The Bureau of Meteorology on Sunday said the weather event could reach landfall on Thursday or Friday. 

Until then, wind gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall may develop between Kalumburu and Kuri Bay, including near Kalumburu. 

These gales may extend westward to Beagle Bay later on Monday and on Tuesday.

Squally thunderstorms with heavy falls are also expected to develop in the far northern Kimberley on Sunday night.

Abnormally high tides are likely near the Kimberley coast in the coming days.

WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said people between Mitchell Plateau and Cape Leveque should prepare their homes and families for a possible cyclone.

“Although there is no immediate danger you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date,” DFES warned.

By Melissa Meehan in Perth