Cyclone Linda: Coral Sea storm expected to bring intense rain when it reaches NZ

A tropical cyclone has formed in the Coral Sea to the northwest of Australia and has the potential to bring intense rain to New Zealand later this week.

The small system developing to the northwest of Australia's East Coast has formed into a tropical cyclone, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

However, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which will be responsible for naming it, has yet to officially call it a tropical cyclone.

It said there was a "moderate" chance of that happening today, and if so it would be named Linda.

Tropical low in the #CoralSea continues to develop - moderate chance of #cyclone forming Tues. We expect it to track S/SW towards #CentralQld #SEQld, but remain offshore. Strong winds and dangerous #surf on southern beaches from Wed. TC outlook details: https://t.co/I4ECkhXdRR pic.twitter.com/Ce3Et39QRc

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 12, 2018

The system was currently south of the Solomon Islands in the northeastern Coral Sea, and moving south at 20km/h.

The Bureau said it could approach the central or southern Queensland coast tomorrow or Thursday, but was likely to remain offshore.

It was expected to produce large waves and a severe weather warning was in place for dangerous surf in coastal areas from tomorrow morning.

Severe weather warning for dangerous surf for coastal areas of #SEQld, beginning Wednesday morning. A tropical low moving southwest in the #CoralSea is driving these conditions, however the low is expected to stay offshore. Keep up to date with warnings: https://t.co/IoizTBSPAz pic.twitter.com/laXxXOz3Zo

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 12, 2018

WeatherWatch NZ said unlike the three previous recent cyclone threats to New Zealand, this one was not expected to come to us as a storm.

"The life of this cyclone may only be a day or two as it tracks into unfavourable conditions for cyclone formation.

"However, the localised but intense tropical downpours are expected to drift towards the upper part of the North Island this Friday and perhaps return off and on a bit this weekend and early next week."

Forecasters were also keeping a close eye on a system forming over the Coral Sea, just south of the Solomon Islands.

MetService NZ meteorologist Peter Little this morning said they were keeping a close eye on the system.

"At this stage most models show it tracking towards the Queensland coast, then away to the Tasman Sea, where it weakens before it has any effect on New Zealand's weather.

"It does not look like it will affect New Zealand, but we are keeping a close eye on it."