Cyclone warning off WA coast

A cyclone warning has been issued for islands off the West Australian coast, as a tropical low threatens to intensify.

A tropical cyclone warning was declared for the Cocos Islands on Friday afternoon. The system is expected to pass northwest of the islands overnight before developing into a cyclone on Saturday.

It is producing winds near the centre of about 45km/h, with gusts up to 85km/h expected.