Tropical Cyclone Riley has intensified to a category two and is continuing to track parallel to the Pilbara coast in northern Western Australia.
The cyclone, which formed at 6am on Thursday, is about 425 kilometres north of Port Hedland, moving west at 6km/h, with estimated wind speeds of 95 km/h around its centre and gusts of up to 130km/h.
Riley may become a category three by Saturday morning.Credit: Bureau of Meteorology
It is expected to continue to move in a generally west direction while slowly intensifying on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
Riley may become a category three by Saturday morning but will only pose a risk to Pilbara communities if it takes a more southerly track.
A blue alert remains in place for people between Whim Creek and Onslow.
The Pilbara Ports Authority has begun cyclone preparations at Ashburton, Dampier and Port Hedland.
The Port of Dampier is clearing vessels from anchorages and terminals in stages and will finish by Friday afternoon.
"The harbour master at each port remains in regular contact with terminal operators and key service providers," a spokeswoman said in a statement on Thursday night.
Riley is WA's first tropical cyclone of the season and the third in Australia.
AAP