A tropical cyclone that's lashed parts of Western Australia is set to weaken as it moves inland from the coast.
Cyclone Damien reached the Pilbara region on the northwestern coast on Saturday afternoon, where it brought destructive winds of up to 205 km/h.
Residents in Karratha posted the damage to their homes on social media.
One user's photo shows a hole in both the ceiling and roof, adding they've seen "similar issues for a lot of people".
Another person posted a screenshot of a text exchange where someone had lost their roof, but managed to get out safely and was able to rescue their cat.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) announced on Saturday evening that the storm had weakened to a Category 2 system as it moved inland away from the coast.
A cyclone track map issued by BOM at 10am (NZ time) said there are sustained winds of 95 km/h near the centre, with wind gusts of up to 130 km/h.
While these winds are "destructive", they are expected to ease on Sunday.
Flooding is expected in Pilbara and Gascoyne, as heavy rain associated with the cyclone moves inland.
Expected rainfall for Saturday and Sunday in Pilbara will range from 100mm farthest from the cyclone's path to 250mm for areas closest to the cyclone track, the BOM said.
"Rainfall is expected to be heavy with rainfall rates up to 50 mm per hour and accumulations up to 130 mm in three hours possible closest to the cyclone track," the BOM website says.
A "red alert" is in place for Pilbara residents in the area of Whim Creek west to Mardie, and south to Pannawonica. It is recommended they seek immediate shelter.
Tropical Cyclone Damien is expected to lose its cyclone status on Monday, 9 News reports.
