The 22,000-strong town of Karratha sits in the region bracing for impact when Cyclone Zelia is forecast to cross the coast between Dampier and De Grey, including Port Hedland, late on Friday.

A tropical cyclone rapidly approaching the WA coast ... It brought wind gusts of 104km/h and heavy rainfall, with Karratha copping 274mm in 24 hours, exceeding its highest annual rain record.

A cyclone closing on the West Australian coast ... It brought wind gusts of 104km/h and heavy rainfall, with Karratha copping 274mm in 24 hours, exceeding its highest annual rain record.