Authorities have issued a cyclone blue alert from Mardie to Ningaloo on the northwest cape of the Pilbara in Western Australia. A tropical low is predicted to track over land, roughly parallel to the Pilbara coast on February 2, before moving offshore and then rapidly intensifying into a cyclone on Wednesday. The next tropical cyclone in the Australian region will be named Marian. Areas near the northwest cape are being urged to prepare for wind gusts of up to 85km/h and heavy rain. Port Hedland, Karratha and eastern parts of the Pilbara are now out of the path of the low pressure system, but a severe weather warning is still in place, with heavy rainfall and strong winds predicted. People are being warned to secure boats, caravans and other loose items outside including LPG bottles, and have their emergency kits ready. Authorities say residents should check in with friends and …