Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Damien is close to crossing the coast near Dampier this afternoon.

Very destructive winds gusting up to 220km/h are possible near the centre of the cyclone. As of 1pm AWST, the highest winds gusts recorded were 144km/h at Karratha, 142km/h on Legendre Island, and 117km/h at Roebourne Airport.

Heavy rain will likely lead to flooding across coastal and eventually inland parts of the Pilbara. Karratha had already collected 121mm in the 24 hours to 12:30pm AWST today.

There is also the potential for a very dangerous storm tide and damaging waves over the next several hours.

The system will then weaken, as it moves inland and loses its direct heat and moisture supply from the ocean, whilst still producing significant weather through Sunday.