Cyclone likely to hit WA next week

A tropical cyclone is expected to hit parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara early next week, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

A "well-structured" low was on Saturday afternoon sitting over the northern Kimberley and is forecast to move southwest during the weekend.

There is a high chance, more than 50 per cent according to the BOM, that on Monday or Tuesday it will develop into a tropical cyclone.

"Flood watches and warnings are in effect due to heavy rainfall from this system," the BOM said.

"Totals over 200 millimetres are possible in a 24-hour period near this system."

Further information is being sought from the BOM.