Tropical Cyclone Esther is set to bring heavy rain to remote NT and Queensland communities after crossing the coastline in the Gulf of Carpentaria earlier today.

The category 1 cyclone was bringing gusts up to 100kmh to Mornington Island this morning and was starting to slowly cross the coast between the island and the state border.

“Esther is expected to move westwards into the NT tonight while weakening,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Forecasters are also keeping an eye on Tropical Cyclone Ferdinand, which strengthened today into a Category 1 system off the coast of WA.

The bureau says it is likely to reach category three strength tomorrow but is forecast to remain well to the north of the WA mainland.