Tropical cyclone likely to hit Broome early next week

A tropical low that formed over the Timor Sea has developed into Tropical Cyclone Marcus, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The Bureau said the system is likely to move towards the Top End of the Northern Territory, before changing direction to move westwards from Saturday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a blue alert for people from the NT border to the Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley.

Gales with gusts to 110 km/h are expected to develop over the Coburg Peninsula, then extend to Darwin early Saturday morning before extending to the north Kimberley during Sunday.

Cyclone Marcus is the seventh cyclone of the season in Australia and could be the sixth in Western Australia if it moves into the region.

Broome has had its fair share of wild weather with cyclone Hilda hitting the town on December 27, 2017 followed by cyclone Joyce on January 11, then a tropical low on February 16 that brought record-breaking rainfall.