Parts of the northwestern West Australian coast have been forced into lockdown as Tropical Cyclone Olwyn continues to track closer to the shore.
The cyclone, which is currently a category three storm is bringing sustained winds near the centre of 140km/h with wind gusts to 195km/h, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
Just after 3am (WST) on Friday, BoM estimated the cyclone to be 90km south southwest of Exmouth and 55km north of Coral Bay.
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn (is) moving towards Coral Bay. Very destructive winds (are) being experienced," BoM said.
It said the system was moving south southwest at 25km/h.
"The centre of severe tropical cyclone Olwyn is just to the north of Coral Bay with very destructive wind gusts being observed over the Northwest Cape," BoM said.
"Olwyn is tracking very close to the coast as it moves southwards towards Coral Bay. The system will slowly weaken during Friday.
"As it moves southwards it is expected to take heavy rain and squally winds into southern parts of Western Australia."
Very destructive winds with gusts over 165km/h are likely near Exmouth, Coral Bay and surrounding areas on Friday morning, BoM said.
It said wind gusts to 180km/h were currently being experienced at Learmonth, and that very destructive winds could extend to Cape Cuvier and Carnarvon during Friday morning.
Residents between Mardie around to Cape Cuvier, including Exmouth, Onslow and Coral Bay, are specifically warned of a potential very dangerous storm tide.
DFES has a red alert in place for those in or near Mardie to Minilya, including Onslow, Nanutarra, Exmouth, Coral Bay and Minilya due to Olwyn.
It's urging people in those areas to "get ready to move to in the strongest, safest part of your house or go to your closest welfare centre if advised to do so".
