Red alert issued for Tropical Cyclone Damien

A red alert has been issued for people in or near Whim Creek to Mardie and south to Millstream.

DFES issued the statement at 830, and people near Whim Creek, Point Samson, Cossack, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha and Dampier need to go to shelter immediately.

The Severe Tropical Cyclone Damien is a category three system and is expected to continue to intensify as it moves towards the coast.

Damien is likely to cross the Pilbara coast between Whim Creek and Mardie during Saturday.

Winds gusts to 150 kilometres per hour are likely to develop during Saturday morning as the cyclone approaches the coast.

Winds with gusts up to 230 kilometres per hour are expected near the cyclone centre as it crosses the coast during Saturday.

Residents between Mardie and Port Hedland, including Dampier, Karratha are warned of the potential of dangerous storm tides as the cyclone centre crosses the coast.

A yellow alert has been issued for people in or near Port Hedland to north of Whim Creek and south to Wittenoom including the Town of Port Hedland, north of Whim Creek, Barrow Island, Pannawonica.

While a blue alert has been issued for people in or near Wallal Downs to Port Hedland and Mardie to Onslow including Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Nullagine and Marble Bar.

Residents need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.