The Bureau of Meteorology says a slow moving tropical low in the Indian Ocean could develop into a cyclone on Tuesday with tracking suggesting it could pass to the west of the Cocos Keeling Islands.

The system is predicted to become a category-two system later in the week

The Cocos Keeling islands, which are almost 4,000 kilometres from the Australian mainland, are home to 600 people.

The Bureau says there is the possibility of damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h on Wednesday and Thursday and rainfall will increase as the system moves closer.

Senior Meteorologist Joey Rawson said the most likely scenario was the cyclone moving away from Cocos Keeling Islands. but there was also a chance it would head towards it.

“There is some risk it may not go west away from the islands but go east over the islands.”

A blue alert has been issued by the Australia Federal Police for residents and tourists to listen and watch for updates on TV, radio and social media pages.

Mr Rawson said the tropical low could develop into a significant rain system if it moved toward the islands. 

“There is a slight risk that even if it does move below tropical cyclone intensity, if it does move in the direction of Cocos Keeling Islands, it may produce a lot of rain,” he said. 

He said there could be up to 200-300 millimetres of rain.

Rough ocean conditions could also have an impact on the northern side of the Cocos Islands.

As of Monday afternoon, the tropical low was sitting 525 kilometres north west of Cocos Island.

Residents prepare

Residents of Cocos Keeling Islands have begun their routine of preparation as the threat of a cyclone grows. 

Deter Gerhard, who has lived on the west island for 30 years, said cyclone preparation was just part of life on the islands. 

“It’ll be an ongoing process over the next day or two.”