Storms and wet weather forecast for northern Australia with Cyclone Kirrily expected to develop off Queensland

Heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding forecast across Kimberley, Northern Territory and much of Cape York peninsula

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Northern Australia is battening down the hatches as the Bureau of Meteorology warns intensifying activity in the Coral Sea is likely to result in the formation of Cyclone Kirrily.

While the low-pressure system won’t be officially named until it is properly formed, the bureau expects the cyclone to develop off the Queensland coast by Monday.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup