Western Australian communities in the path of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa are being warned of extreme wind gusts and possible flooding as the system hits the coast.
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The tropical cyclone is expected to intensify to a category four system by the time it crosses the east Pilbara coast, between Port Hedland and south of Broome.
Wind gusts up to 275 km/hr are expected to hit the coast late on Thursday, April 13 or early on Friday, April 14, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
"Winds of this strength have the ability not only to bring down trees and powerlines, but lift items from your yard and home; caravans, trampolines," a Bureau spokesperson said.
"Close to the coast where we have that intense tropical cyclone coastal crossing, we could see rainfall totals well in excess of 200 to 300 mm."
As the cyclone tracks inland rainfall in the 50 to 150 mm range is possible.
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The Bureau is warning of flash and riverine flooding which could close roads and isolate remote communities.
The tropical cyclone warning zone covers south of Broome to Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and Bidyadanga, and inland to Telfer and Kiwirrkurra.
Communities are being told to take action and prepare to shelter from the cyclone by the the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
The department expects the Great Northern Highway to be closed from April 13 between Broome and Port Hedland in some areas.
Other road closures are also likely.
By the time the cyclone reaches the Northern Territory overnight on Friday, it's expected to have weakened below tropical cyclone strength.
