Tropical Cyclone Grant is expected to remain a category one system as it passes just to the north of a tiny group of islands off the West Australian coast today.

A Cyclone Watch and Act advisory is in place for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with residents urged to remain indoors.

Wind gusts of up to 100km/h are predicted, along with heavy rain and flash flooding.

A map of a cyclone forecast with Cocos Islands located and dots of category 2 systems surrounding it.

The cyclone track map (as at 6pm Wed) shows the cyclone’s path will pass north of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)

About 600 people live on the islands, more than 2,000 kilometres off the north-west WA coastline, about midway between Australia and Sri Lanka.

The group consists of 27 islands but only two, West and Home islands, are inhabited.

What to do during a cyclone

Cyclones are part of life in northern Australia. Whether you’re in WA, the NT, the Gulf of Carpentaria or Queensland. Having an emergency plan, preparing your home and having an emergency kit will help you deal with them. 

The community is no stranger to unpredictable weather at this time of year and a cyclone shelter is available to residents during these kinds of systems.

Before, during and after a disaster, find the information you need at ABC Emergency.

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