Cyclone Clare weakens after dampening Dampier

Clare brought destructive winds of almost 200km/h.

PERTH - Tropical cyclone Clare has weakened as it heads towards the Western Australian mining town of Pannawonica amid warnings for communities lashed by the storm to stay indoors.

Cyclone Clare has been downgraded to a category-two strength storm as it travels inland towards the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, after crossing the coast near Dampier yesterday with destructive winds of almost 200km/h.

Emergency crews were on the ground assessing damage in Dampier and Karratha and working to restore power and phone lines, Western Australia emergency services spokesman Alan Gale said.

"People are still being asked to stay inside because there are still strong winds and the danger of flying debris and the possibility of power lines down," Gale said.

"But we haven't heard of any injuries and so far the damage appears minor."

More than 1500 people were evacuated from low-lying areas along the state's northwest coast overnight, but emergency services had reported only minor damage in Dampier and some water damage in Karratha homes, he said.

A cyclone warning was in force for coastal areas between Onslow and Dampier, extending inland to include Pannawonica and Nanutarra.

The storm was packing winds of up to 140km/h as it bore down on Pannawonica, the weather bureau said.

"Gales are now easing on the coast but are still being experienced inland and destructive winds are still possible in inland areas close to the track of the cyclone," the bureau said.

Heavy rains and flash flooding were forecast for coming days.

Clare forced the closure of shipping ports, Karratha airport and some mining operations.

The area is home to offshore oil and gas rigs, and mines including those for iron ore, salt and nickel.

- AAP