The Pilbara Region in Western Australia. Photo / Supplied
Tropical Cyclone Heidi is crossing Western Australia's Pilbara coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rains to the region.
"We're certainly feeling the full brunt of Cyclone Heidi as she crosses the coast," Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett told the Nine Network on Thursday morning.
"She's certainly packing a little punch at the moment.
"We've certainly got the wind gusts of a about 140km and very heavy rain."
Heidi started making landfall around 4.30am WST (0730 AEDT).
She urged all residents to remain indoors until the official all clear is given.
Communities between Pardoo and Whim Creek have all been ordered to shelter while those further inland were told to gather up emergency supplies and brace for Heidi's wrath.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour had been whipping along the coast overnight, with destructive gusts of up to 150 kilometres per hour possible.
Up to 250 millimetres of rain was possible across central and eastern parts of the Pilbara, the BoM said.
A dangerous storm tide was also predicted for coastal areas.
The West Australian newspaper reported that Port Hedland's airport and bulk export port had shut down.
Mining firms across the region have sent home all non-essential workers and families were battening down the hatches.
-AAP
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