A "super black" sky has provided a chilling reminder of the potential danger ahead as a destructive cyclone zeros in on Australia.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia is set to impact Western Australia's Pilbara coast on Friday, becoming a category five system with forecast wind gusts of more than 300km/h.
Shops, schools, roads and ports in WA's northwest have closed in preparation for the "dangerous" system, with people told to take shelter.
Carrie McDowell called the "super black" sky over her Karratha community ominous as locals were warned to expect dangerous winds and more heavy rain.
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.
"We've not had a category five while we lived here," Ms McDowell told AAP.
"We had a category three in 2020 and that was really scary.
"I'm a bit worried about flooding."
Karratha and Port Hedland are both at risk of a direct hit, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
"This is a very dangerous system that will cause significant impacts," the bureau's James Ashley said.
The cyclone has rapidly intensified, with even stronger winds expected on Friday after maximum gusts of 290km/h were initially forecast.
"Very destructive wind gusts up to 320km/h are likely close to the centre of the cyclone as it crosses the coast," the bureau said late on Thursday.
Rainfall totals of more than 500mm are expected to impact some areas.
The approaching cyclone had already triggered flash flooding in the northwest, with reports of a road train washed off a Marble Bar bridge.
A cyclone warning was current for Wallal Downs to Dampier, including Port Hedland and Karratha, and extending inland to Marble Bar.
Residents from Eighty Mile Beach to Dampier, including Karratha and inland to Marble Bar and Millstream, have been told to prepare to take shelter.
"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area," the alert said.
Resources have been bolstered to prepare for evacuations, with a national fleet helicopter flying in from NSW.
Another seven aircraft have been positioned around the region and extra flood boats sent to Port Hedland.
Evacuation centres have been set up at Karratha and South Hedland, with major highways near Port Hedland and regional airports closed.
"Impacts to secondary and unsealed roads are expected extensively across the Pilbara which will result in some communities being isolated," WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said.
He said food, gas and diesel stocks in the region were strong.
