This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/31/cyclone-christine-batters-australias-pilbara-coast

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Cyclone Christine batters Australia's Pilbara coast Cyclone Christine batters WA's Pilbara coast
(about 2 hours later)
Tropical cyclone Christine is battering the Pilbara coast, forcing people to take shelter as it brings strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm tides.Tropical cyclone Christine is battering the Pilbara coast, forcing people to take shelter as it brings strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm tides.
The category thee storm crossed the coast between Whim Creek and Roebourne overnight, with wind gusts of 180km/h near its centre.The category thee storm crossed the coast between Whim Creek and Roebourne overnight, with wind gusts of 180km/h near its centre.
The Bureau of Meteorology said at 3am (WST) Christine was 190km southwest of Port Hedland and 70km south southeast of Karratha and moving southwest at 17km/h.The Bureau of Meteorology said at 3am (WST) Christine was 190km southwest of Port Hedland and 70km south southeast of Karratha and moving southwest at 17km/h.
It is expected to take a more southerly track during the early hours of Tuesday.It is expected to take a more southerly track during the early hours of Tuesday.
Residents in the affected areas of the Pilbara have been told to take shelter while the storm moves over.Residents in the affected areas of the Pilbara have been told to take shelter while the storm moves over.
A red alert is in place for people in or near the coastal areas between De Grey and Mardie and extending inland to Tom Price and Paraburdoo.A red alert is in place for people in or near the coastal areas between De Grey and Mardie and extending inland to Tom Price and Paraburdoo.
This includes Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier.This includes Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier.
"There is a threat to lives and homes," DFES said in a statement. "You are in danger and need to act immediately.""There is a threat to lives and homes," DFES said in a statement. "You are in danger and need to act immediately."
It urged residents in affected areas to "get ready to move to the strongest, safest part of your house".It urged residents in affected areas to "get ready to move to the strongest, safest part of your house".
Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and flood warnings have been issued for the Pilbara.Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and flood warnings have been issued for the Pilbara.
Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are battering the Karratha area and are expected to extend well inland during Tuesday.Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are battering the Karratha area and are expected to extend well inland during Tuesday.
People in Tom Price can expect destructive wind gusts to start around 8am (WST).People in Tom Price can expect destructive wind gusts to start around 8am (WST).
Gales with gusts to 120km/h are occurring between De Grey and Mardie and will extend to the inland Pilbara.Gales with gusts to 120km/h are occurring between De Grey and Mardie and will extend to the inland Pilbara.
People on the coast between De Grey and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide.People on the coast between De Grey and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.