Cyclone Laurence now a category 5 | National News | Breaking National News in Australia

A satellite image of Cyclone Laurence moving closer to the WA coastline.

AAP

TROPICAL Cyclone Laurence has been upgraded to a category five storm as itstrengthens and moves closer to Western Australia's Pilbara coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said Laurence was intensifying as it moved south, less than 100km off Eighty Mile Beach.

Destructive winds are lashing the coast, with gusts of 285km/h increasing a risk of dangerous storm tides.

Laurence is estimated to be 75km north of Wallal and 240km northeast of Port Hedland, moving south at 6km/h.

Communitiesfrom Sandfire Roadhouse to Pardoo and inland to Yarrie are on red alertand the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has issued a warning,urging them to immediately seek secure shelter.

The Great Northern Highway has been closed between Broome and Roebuck.

WAState Emergency Services spokesman Allen Gale said heavy rainfall andstrong winds posed the biggest threat to people in the area.

"There'sprobably less than 100 people who reside in the area, but at this timeof year, there's lots of people moving around coming down south forChristmas," Mr Gale said.

"Those people just need to sit tight, wait for the cyclone to pass, and then watch out for rising rivers and creeks."

Hewarned travellers to stay in regional towns such as Broome, PortHedland, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing until the cyclone passes.

Theweather bureau says gale force winds are likely along the coast betweenBidyadanga and Wallal, and destructive winds will extend along thecoast and inland during Monday.

Heavy rainfall is expected incoastal parts of the western Kimberley and eastern Pilbara throughoutthe day, extending to the inland eastern Pilbara on Tuesday.

Peoplein communities from De Grey to Port Hedland and inland to Marble Bar,including South Hedland, Warralong, Yarri Mine, Warrawagine Station andsurrounding communities are being told to prepare for cyclonic weather.

Communities in the southwest Kimberley and eastern Pilbara have been told to listen out for subsequent advice.

Laurence, the first cyclone of the season off the WA coast, formed in the Timor Sea on Sunday, December 13.