TC Damien is expected to cross the coast this afternoon

A red alert is still in place for areas in the Pilbara as Tropical Cyclone Damien is expected to cross the coast near Dampier this afternoon.

The red alert is current for people people in or near Whim Creek to Mardie, including Mardie and south to Millstream including Whim Creek, Point Samson, Cossack, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha and Dampier.

TC Damien is expected to bring with it sustained winds near the centre of 150 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 205 kilometres per hour.

He is estimated to be 115 kilometres north northwest of Karratha and 235 kilometres west northwest of Port Hedland and moving South at 10 kilometres per hour.

Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast.

People in Karratha, Dampier, Wickham, Cossack, Roebourne and Point Samson were advised to evacuate and should remain out of the area as rapid and powerful flooding is likely to occur and houses could be inundated as the cyclone approaches the coast.

A yellow alert is in place for people in or near Whim Creek, east to Yule River and south to Wittenoom -including Barrow Island, and Pannawonica- residents need to prepare for cyclonic weather and move to shelter.

A blue alert is in place for people in or near West of Mardie -not including Mardie- to Onslow including Tom Price, Paraburdoo, De Grey.

An all clear has been issued for Wallal Downs to De Grey including Nullagine and Marble Bar and the town of Port Hedland, with residents warned to proceed with caution.