Mourners pay tribute to alleged punch victim

Irishman Thomas Keaney, who died after an alleged punch attack in Northbridge. Source: Supplied

MOURNERS at a Perth mass tonight held in memory of Irishman Thomas Keaney, who died after an alleged assault in Northbridge, have prayed for an end to street violence.

Family, friends and mourners gathered at St Joseph's Church in Subiaco to pay tribute to the 23-year-old barman.

Mr Keaney's life support was switched off on Saturday, 11 days after he was allegedly punched outside a kebab shop and hit his head on the road. The heartbreaking decision was made by Mr Keaney's parents, who flew to Perth from Ireland to be at his bedside.

His parents Tom and Ann Keaney were at tonight's service and conveyed their sincere gratitude to the people of WA through priest Father Joseph Walsh.

Mr Keaney, who is originally from County Galway, had been in Australia for just over year and was working at The Cure Tavern in Northbridge.

The church service was streamed live online so Mr Keaney's siblings and extended family and friends in Ireland and Chicago could witness the memorial.

Fr Walsh said Mr Keaney's death was a "horrendous tragedy" at such a Christian time of year and called for an end to street violence. He said everyone should find comfort in Mr Keaney's strong faith.

"One thing is absolutely certain - none of us want to be here. But we are here in numbers to celebrate the short, 23 years of Thomas' life," he said.

Fr Walsh said while Mr Keaney's family had suffered anger, hurt and disappointment over their senseless loss, they had also experienced extraordinary hospitality, warmth and support from their surrogate "Australian family".

He said Mr Keaney's parents wanted to thank everyone for their help during this awful time, including the Australian embassy, police, hospital staff, the Claddagh Association and those who had befriended Mr Keaney during his time in Australia, many of whom were at the hospital "every day and night".

The priest invited Mr Keaney's parents back to WA this time next year to "see us as we are" and said they had left a lasting legacy by graciously donating their son's organs.

The Claddagh Association, which assists Irish people during times of crisis throughout WA, is supporting the Keaney family.

"The Irish community have once again rallied around to provide that much needed support during this time of crisis for Thomas's family and friends," the association said in a message on Facebook.

"Our thoughts are with the family here and in Ireland, it is our wish that the outpouring of grief from the Irish in Perth is reflected in coming together to bid farewell to Thomas on his final journey home."

It is understood Mr Keaney's parents will fly home to Ireland at the weekend.

A fundraising event was held in Perth on New Year's Eve, with collection buckets placed in several well-known Irish venues.

Donations to the Keaney family can be made by visiting http://www.claddagh.org.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/Thethomasfund

A 22-year-old Girrawheen man has been charged over Mr Keaney's death and will reappear in court later this month.

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Clarke's injury a bizarre blow

Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke has injuring his knee while on his Christmas break. Source: News Limited

FREMANTLE has suffered a bizarre injury blow, with ruckman Zac Clarke injuring his knee while on his Christmas break.

The Dockers expect Clarke, 23, to miss up to eight weeks of training after damaging his right posterior cruciate ligament at a concert in Victoria.

Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said Clarke was not expected to need surgery.

Clarke is likely to miss Fremantle's pre-season matches against West Coast on February 18 and the Western Bulldogs on February 26.

Given his limited preparation, the Grand Final ruckman could struggle to force his way into the side for the Dockers' Round 1 showdown against Collingwood on March 14.

Fellow ruckman Jon Griffin is also eyeing a return from his own knee injury.

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Passengers rescued from trapped ship

Professor Chris Turney, his crew and passengers on the Akademik Shokalskiy are finally rescued by helicopter after a tense wait in the Antarctic. Courtesy Chris Turney/YouTube/Vine.

ALL 52 passengers have been airlifted from a Russian research vessel icebound in Antarctica and are safe on board an Australian supply ship, rescuers said.

"Aurora Australis has advised AMSA that the 52 passengers from the Akademik Shokalskiy are now on board," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said.

Passengers were flown to the Australian ship in groups of 12 by a helicopter from a Chinese icebreaker.

The Akademik Shokalsky has been stuck in ice since December 24 100 nautical miles east of the French base Dumont d'Urville, with several icebreaking attempts failing to reach it.

After a number of false starts a helicopter evacuation of the research vessel's passengers began on Thursday evening, with official confirmation that it was underway reaching AMSA at 6.15pm AEDT.

Help from above... A helicopter from the nearby Chinese icebreaker Xue Long picking up the first batch of passengers from the stranded Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The Australian agency, which is coordinating the rescue mission, reported all passengers were safey on board the Aurora Australis - an Australian government supply ship - at 10.15pm, some four hours later.

Passengers were airlifted from a makeshift landing pad on the ice beside the Russian ship to an ice floe near the Australis.

Expedition leader Professor Chris Turney expressed relief that the wait was finally over.

"We've made it to the Aurora Australis safe and sound. A huge thanks to the Chinese and the (government's) Australian Antarctic Division for all their hard work," Prof Turney tweeted.

Rescue mission... The helicopter mission to rescue 52 passengers trapped on the icebound Russian research ship finally got underway in Antarctica on January 2 after a number of false starts and failed icebreaking attempts. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

A helicopter rescue was announced on Tuesday, but heavy rain and winds saw it shelved until Thursday morning, when a second attempt was foiled by unfavourable sea ice.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the complex, multi-vessel operation would go ahead as soon as weather and ice conditions permitted, with the situation likely to change rapidly.

By late afternoon a favourable window had opened, with Prof Turney announcing that a helicopter from the nearby Chinese icebreaker Xue Long had arrived at the marooned ship to begin evacuating passengers.

"The Chinese helicopter has arrived at the Shokalskiy. It's 100 percent we're off! A huge thanks to all," Prof Turney tweeted.

His posting was accompanied by footage showing the Xue Long's red helicopter touching down on a landing pad marked out on the ice beside the Akademik Shokalskiy and an orange-suited rescue crew disembarking.

"If it all goes well we'll be off in about an hour's time," Mr Turney said on the film.

Sticky beaks... A pair of Adelie penguins  inspecting the scene as the first load of passsengers from the stranded Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy wait for a helicopter. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority this morning said weather conditions in the Antarctic had improved and those marooned on the MV Akademik Shokalskiy would soon reach the end of their ordeal.

"Wind in the area is now down to 10 knots and visibility has improved. Weather conditions are expected to remain favourable over the next 36 hours," a spokeswoman for AMSA said.

"The helicopter on board the Chinese flagged vessel Xue Long will be used to rescue the passengers from the MV Akademik Shokalskiy."

A screen-capture from the Aurora Australis' web camera shows the ice-breaker approaching the Chinese rescue ship Xue Long  - here little more than a speck on the left-hand side of the image.

The spokeswoman said the mission to rescue those on board the Russian ship, trapped in sea ice around 1500 kilometres from Hobart since Christmas Eve, would be complex and was expected to take around five hours.

The passengers, including scientists and researchers who begun an expedition to Antarctica to study sea ice, were airlifted to safety, while the 22 crew will remain on board.

It is not yet clear if the passengers will then be brought to Australia.

Australia's Rescue Coordination Centre continues to coordinate the incident. 

Rain and winds up to 30 knots have delayed the rescue of passengers stranded on a ship off Antarctica.

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in Antarctic ica as it waits to be rescued. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in Antarctic ica as it waits to be rescued. Picture: Andrew Peacock / www.footloosefotography.com

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NYE murder accused faces court

A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of James Dorloff at a Wedge Island beach rave party on New Year's Eve.

A 23-YEAR-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Kelmscott man James Dorloff at a Wedge Island beach rave party on New Year's Eve.

Joseph Robert Houston, from Swan View, is also charged with attempted grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding of Tyson Cumming, who was also injured.

It is alleged Mr Houston slashed the victim across the throat with a machete after a fight erupted at the New Year's beach rave party.

Mr Houston, who is in custody, was not required to plead to any of the charges when he appeared in Perth Magistrate's Court today.

He was remanded in custody on a seven-day hospital order for a mental health assessment and will next appear in court on January 9.

The father of Joseph Houston, 23, talks to the media.

ACCUSED'S FATHER OFFERS 'DEEPEST SYMPATHIES'

The father of Mr Houston told media outside Perth Magistrates Court today his family gave Mr Dorloff's family their "deepest heartfelt sympathies."

"We don't know the full circumstances yet, but when we do, it will all come out in the wash," he said.

"Until then, please, just leave my family alone."

Wedge Island murder accused Joseph Houston,23, Picture: Facebook

Earlier, friends of Mr Dorloff, 21, took to social media to express their sadness over the New Year's tragedy, which unfolded on a remote beach about 160km north of Perth.

Their posts show a tight-knit circle of friends gutted by the events in Wedge Island.

"Thank you for riding shotgun through this car wreck that is my life," his friend Johnny Cady posted with a photo of Mr Dorloff.

"The maddest nicest most genuine cobba out always keen to party beyond sunrise drinkin 'n smoken with friend rember the good tyms with this loose kid! Next week Johnny have to catch up think a hug would do good x," a friend replied.

"Still can't come to terms, I'm in disbelief xx" said another.

Wedge Island rave party victim James Dorloff, 21. Picture: Facebook

Another friend Michelle Polette posted yesterday that her friend would be missed.

"Laying in bed with my eyes filled with tears knowing in not the only one broken," she wrote late last night.

"It's not fair how innocent life gets taking so young, you were a awsum mate to party with & a good bloke., pretty deverstating how people can't even have a good New Years with out sum dog bring weapons, hope the scum gets what's coming that did this RIP mate you will be missed James," Ms Polette wrote yesterday.

"Arhhh my body is just filled with anger!!!! Why do people think it's OK to take another's life! Why? This violence has to stop, it's so unfair!!!!! ;(((( see you soon enough James!!!!" Yvonne Ransom wrote on her page.

Mr Dorloff died and two friends - including a woman - were injured in a brawl at the remote beach on New Year's Eve.

The father of accused killer Joe Houston talks to the media after his son appeared in court charged with the New Year's Eve Wedge Island murder of James Dorloff. Picture: Kaitlyn Offer

Major Crime squad officers spent the day yesterday at the beach interviewing dozens of people who attended the rave party.

Forensic officers spent much of the day there yesterday.

A small community of fishing and holiday shacks makes up the Wedge Island settlement on the mainland.

Police were called to the beach at 1.30am New Year's Day, where officers were initially told a person had been seriously assaulted and that he was unresponsive and CPR was being performed.

Police and the RAC Helicopter were sent to assist the local medical team.

"Local police and detectives were deployed and upon arrival it was confirmed that a male person was deceased on the beach, and two other people were injured and required medical treatment," a WA Police spokeswoman said.

A man, 25, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital by helicopter with a serious arm injury and a woman, also 25, was taken to Joondalup Health Campus by road ambulance.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing and anyone with information is asked to telephone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Seven kids hurt in golf buggy crash

Seven children were injured in WA's South-West after a crash involving a golf buggy. Source: News Limited

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is in a critical condition after seven children were injured in a golf buggy crash in Yallingup overnight.

WA Police say the teenager was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries after the buggy collided with a tree on a private property in the South-West town.

Three of the seven children suffered serious injuries in the accident, with a 10 and 11-year-old boy in Busselton Hospital, and a nine-year-old boy set to be transferred to Bunbury Hospital.

Three other children have minor injuries.

In Lancelin, a 53-year-old woman suffered a head injury after she was struck in a car park by a cyclist.

She is in Joondalup Hospital.

VICTORIAN TOURIST DIES IN FLOODED KIMBERLEY

AN elderly Victorian tourist died yesterday when the vehicle she was in skidded off a flooded Kimberley highway and hit a tree.

The 73-year-old woman was with her husband, 74, when their hire car, a Mazda two-door hatch, was heading west along Victoria Highway, near the intersection of Lake Argyle Road turn-off, near Kununurra.

The vehicle entered a floodway and appears to have aqua-planed, causing the driver to lose control and hit a tree.

The area had received heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Christine in the previous 24 hours.

Both the tourists were taken to Kununurra Hospital with injuries, where the woman died a short time later.

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Schu's condition 'stable'

There were positive signs for Michael Schumacher's health after he underwent further surgery, but doctors are reluctant to assume the likelihood of a full recovery.

MICHAEL Schumacher has remained in a stable condition on his fourth night in hospital as he fights to overcome serious head injuries sustained in a skiing accident in France.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion's manager briefly updated waiting press at the Grenoble hospital where the German is being treated, also confirming there will be no more press conferences until there is further news.

"The good news for today is ... there's no significant changes," Sabine Kehm told reporters.

"Michael has been carefully supervised overnight, and his condition at the moment is stable and has been stable all over the night.

"That's why we don't feel to have the need to do a press conference, because as we told all of you we would only hold a press conference if there's something to report."

Yesterday, the F1 legend's manager confirmed Schumacher was not skiing at high speed when he suffered a severe accident.

Vision of the helicopter carrying Michael Schumacher leaving from the scene. Courtesy BFMTV

Details of the moments leading up to his skiing accident came after doctors revealed he had undergone a second operation to reduce swelling in his brain and internal bleeding.

The force of the crash caused his ski helmet to break in two and the 44-year-old was helicoptered for emergency surgery to a nearby hospital where he has been fighting for his life since Sunday.

Early media reports suggested he was skiing at high speed at the time of the accident, with some claims that he could have been going as fast as 60 to 100 kilometres an hour.

But his manager Sabine Kehm said it was not speed but a "chain of unfortunate circumstances" that led to his crash.

Schumacher was skiing "with a small group of friends'' as well as his 14-year-old son Mick at the time of the accident, Kehm said.

One of Michael Schumacher's doctors, Professor Jean-Francois Payen, insists it is still too early to consider the former world champion as healthy despite his successful surgery.

As a result of the accident, "apparently (his) helmet broke,'' she said.

"That doesn't mean that Michael was travelling at high speed. He seems to have hit a rock as he took a turn. It was a chain of unfortunate circumstances.''

JOURNALIST DRESSES AS PRIEST IN BID TO SEE SCHU

Kehm added that the accident could have happened even "at 10 kilometres per hour'' and took place during "a normal turning manoeuvre''.

"Michael was skiing on a normal piste with the group,'' Kehm said.

Doctors report 'a slight improvement' in the condition of Michael Schumacher in a French hospital.

"Nearby was an area of deep snow. Michael skied into it. He wasn't going fast because he had apparently just helped a friend who had fallen down.

"So Michael just got going again, skied into the deep snow and then - we suspect - hit the rock as he entered a curve.

"Michael was not going very fast. But unfortunately as he took the turn, we assume, he hit the rock and was catapulted upwards and then struck a rock head-first.''

Schumacher's group was on the normal ski slope run when one of the party fell and Schumacher stopped to help them up.

He then pushed off and attempted to make a turn onto a parallel run but instead hit rocky outcrops that sit between the two runs.

Sky Sports Germany's Sandra Baumgartner says Michael Schumacher's accident has had a profound effect on his home country where he is viewed as a national hero.

Doctors previously said if he had not been wearing a helmet he could have been killed almost instantly.

IN PICTURES: SCHUMACHER'S LEGENDARY CAREER

The team of four doctors treating the retired F1 supremo said last night he was making slight improvements.

They revealed they saw a "surgical window of opportunity" and carried out a second operation, that lasted two hours, to remove blood on the brain and relieve swelling and pressure.

But the medical team monitoring his progress 24 hours a day say the motor ace is now stable but remains in a "fragile" critical condition.

Fans of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher have gathered outside the Grenoble hospital where he is being treated for serious brain trauma sustained in a skiing accident in the French Alps.

"The situation is more under control than yesterday but we cannot say that he is out of danger," said Jean-Francois Payen, head anaesthetician at the CHU Grenoble Hospital in the eastern French city.

"We have won some time but we must continue an hour-by-hour surveillance."

Doctors said they were very pleased there had been no worsening of Schumacher's condition and that he was showing "very slight" improvements but they could not say what will happen in coming days and the situation was still touch-and-go.

The second operation had its risks but Schumacher's family gave permission prior to it taking place at 10pm local time.

"We can't say he is out of danger but ... we have gained a bit of time," Dr Payen reiterated. "The coming hours are crucial."

As the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, Michael Schumacher amassed seven World Championships and 91 race wins in 307 starts for Jordan, Benetton, Mercedes and most famously Ferrari.

The F1 legend remained in an induced coma and in a state of hypothermia to give him the best chance to recover from the serious head trauma.

Doctors confirmed a number of lesions remained and he was still haemorrhaging in the brain.

SIX OF THE BEST SCHUMACHER FORMULA 1 DRIVES

Professor Emmanuel Gay, one of the specialists treating Schumacher said the German was not out of danger.

"We cannot say that we have won because there are still some highs and some lows, but it's better than yesterday," he said.

A Ferrari fan waits in front of the emergency department of the Grenoble hospital where Michael Schumacher is being treated for a severe head injury.

"He is still in a very critical condition, this has not changed. And we still cannot tell how he will be, which state he will be in when he does wake up. We cannot speculate on the future because once again it would be too early to do so."

Brain scans had shown intercranial haematoma (internal bleeding), cerebral contusions (brain tissue bruising) and oedema (fluid build up).

Further operations have not been ruled out but "strategies" would be considered over the next 48 hours.

"There are still many haematomas in the brain, with little bits everywhere," Professor Gay said.

"That is what makes the situation critical and it needs to be looked at hour by hour, day by day.

A file photo shows Michael Schumacher skiing in the Italian Alps in 2006. Schumacher is in a critical condition after hitting his head in a fall while skiing.

"The situation can still evolve, but we won't be able to evacuate the other haematomas at the moment because they are not accessible. They are not as big as the one we removed yesterday."

There has been huge global interest in the accident; more than 100 media were yesterday at the hospital waiting for word and broadcasting live updates around the world.

The German was on a private trip to the area where he owns a chalet to celebrate the New Year and his birthday on Friday.

His wife Carinna, 16-year-old daughter Gina-Marie as well as son Mick remained at his bedside overnight. They were joined overnight by his father Rolf Schumacher.

Meanwhile, Ms Kehm also revealed a journalist had allegedly dressed as a priest and attempted to enter Schumacher's intensive care room before being stopped by medical staff. Their identity or nationality has not been revealed.

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Man, 20, dies, two hurt at WA beach

A 20-YEAR-old man is dead and two others were injured in a brawl on a remote WA beach north of Perth on New Year's Eve.

A 20-YEAR-old man is dead and two others - including a woman - were injured in a brawl on a remote WA beach north of Perth. on New Year's Eve.

Major Crime squad officers are investigating the Kelmscott man's death, which is being treated as a homicide.

Forensic officers have travelled to Wedge Island, a 400m long piece of land just off the coast, this morning.

A small community of fishing and holiday shacks makes up the Wedge Island settlement on the mainland.

Wedge Island, 160km north of Perth, where a man died after a brawl on the beach early today. File Picture: Stewart Allen

A police spokeswoman would not confirm reports that the man was attacked with a machete.

Police were called to Wedge Island, near Lancelin, 160km north of Perth, at 1.30am today.

Officers were initially told a person had been seriously assaulted and that they were unresponsive and CPR was being performed.

One man is dead and two injured after an incident at remote Wedge Island, 160km north of Perth. The RAC rescue helicopter was used to airlift an injured man to RPH.

Police and the RAC Helicopter were sent to assist the local medical team.

"Local police and detectives were deployed and upon arrival it was confirmed that a male person was deceased on the beach, and two other people were injured and required medical treatment," a WA Police spokeswoman said.

A man, 25, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital by helicopter with a serious arm injury and a woman, also 25, was taken to Joondalup Health Campus by road ambulance.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing and anyone with information is asked to telephone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Man in court over mum, daughter deaths

A 19-year-old man charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of a Warwick mother and her daughter, has appeared briefly in court today.

A 19-YEAR-old man charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of a Warwick mother and her daughter, has appeared briefly in court today.

Major Crime Squad detectives last night charged Lesley Jonathan Cameron, in relation to the deaths of Tamara Alexandra Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen Anne Horstman, 67, who were found dead on Sunday afternoon in their Warwick home in Felgate Place.

He appeared in the Perth Magistrates (Northbridge) Court today, where the charges were formally read to him.

He was not required to plead to the charges and no application for bail was made.

He was remanded in custody to appear by video link in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on January 29.

Police have released the names of the mother and daughter found dead in a Warwick

Cameron, from Mirrabooka, was arrested at a house in Mirrabooka yesterday morning.

He was charged late last night with two counts of murder and one count each of aggravated burglary and stealing Ms Horstman's motor vehicle, which was found about 8km from her Warwick home the following day.

Warwick murder victim Tamara Horstman who was found dead with her mother Maureen. Picture: Facebook

Forensic police collect clues from Ms Horstman's car which was found in Mirrabooka. Picture: Alf Sorbello

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Police release names of mother, daughter

Police found the car wanted in relation to the murder of a mother and daughter in Warwick yesterday. Found on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court, Mirrabooka. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: News Limited

POLICE have released names of the mother and daughter found dead in a Warwick home yesterday.

Tamara Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen, 67, were found at their home in Warwick yesterday after Tamara didn't show up to work and a friend's parent went to the home to check she was ok.

The pair were found dead inside the Felgate Place home shortly after 2pm yesterday in separate rooms.

It's believed Maureen had sustained chest injuries and Tamara head injuries.

Tamara's car was located earlier today about 8km from where their bodies were found, parked on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court in Mirrabooka.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the blue Mazda 3 with the registration plate 1CZO 135 between 9am Sunday and midday today.

Police officers from the Major Crime Squad are treating their deaths as a homicide investigation.

A man is in custody assisting police with inquiries.

No charges have been laid.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Earlier today, police issued a plea for public help over the whereabouts of a Mazda 3 sedan linked to the case.

Meanwhile, police are still questioning another man over the death of a 50-year-old man in Balga last night.

Police were called to Princess Road about 10.30pm over a disturbance, where they found a man with stab wounds.

The victim later died from his injuries.

The Major Crime Squad are interviewing one man, who is known to the victim.

Investigators would like to speak anyone who was near the Princess Road Tavern or Balga Recreation Centre between 10pm and 11pm last night.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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RED ALERT: 200km/h winds, high tides to hit tonight

Forecasters are warning of a major storm surge when a category two tropical cyclone hits the Pilbara.

CYCLONE Christine has intensified to a Category Three storm off WA's North West coast and is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 200km/h when it hits the Pilbara late tonight or early tomorrow.

At 5pm Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine was 75km north, north-west of Port Hedland and 155km north-east of Karratha and moving south-southwest at 16km/h towards the Pilbara coast.

The very destructive inner core of Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine has begun to impact the coast between Port Hedland and Whim Creek.

Port Hedland is currently experiencing destructive wind gusts to 130km/h as the system makes its closest approach to that area.

Cyclone Christine is expected to continue on a south southwest track and the centre is likely to cross the coast close to Whim Creek by about midnight.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Very destructive gusts in excess of 200km/h are likely near the centre as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Port Hedland has had about 20mm of rain today but is expecting heavier falls in the next 24 hours as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected between Whim Creek and Port Hedland later this afternoon and continue overnight.

These winds should extend to the Karratha and Dampier region later tonight and extend well inland overnight and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. This was taken about 7pm. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Gales with gusts to 120km/h, together with heavy rainfall, are occurring between Bidyadanga and Whim Creek including Port Hedland and adjacent inland areas and should extend west to Karratha by this evening and then to the inland Pilbara overnight and possibly as far west as Onslow.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide tonight.

Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

Christine has already brought massive rainfalls to the Kimberley with Broome recording 97mm in 24 hours to 9am today, Lombadina 116mm and West Roebuck 86mm.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and Flood Warnings have been issued for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected to extend well inland on Monday night and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham are warned of the potential for

a very dangerous storm tide tonight and Tuesday morning. Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

A satellite image showing category three Cyclone Christine bearing down on the Pilbara coast. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

DFES State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts:

RED ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie, including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier. You need to immediately head to shelter and stay indoors away from doors and windows.

A red alert will be issues for Tom Price and Paraburdoo at 7pm.

Tropical Cyclone Christine's expected path as it crosses the Pilbara coast late today or early Tuesday. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

YELLOW ALERT: People in inland areas including Marble Bar, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica. You need to take action and get ready to shelter from the Cyclone.

BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Wallal and Pardoo and between Mardie and Onslow and the inland area from Marble Bar to Newman and between the Collier Ranges and Three Rivers incluiding Kumarina and east to Granite Peak, need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

Trucks line up in the Pilbara as dust brings an eerie light in the days before Cyclone Christine threatens the coast. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

MINING OPERATIONS CLOSE DOWN

Australia's biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast.

An eerie light over the Pilbara as Cyclone Christine threatens to unleash its 200km/h fury tonight. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Onslow, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow, and extending inland to Paraburdoo.

BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have suspended their port operations in the region.

BHP said ``tie-down'' activities at Port Hedland, Australia's largest iron ore export port, have been completed.

``Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services,'' BHP said in a statement.

``Any production impacts will be in our next operational report.''

The highest priority is to ensure the safety of employees, BHP said.

Rio Tinto said ship loading had now stopped, but mine and rail operations continue to operate as normal.

Fortescue Metals Group said its Port Hedland operations and rail operations had been secured, in line with the company's cyclone readiness procedures.

``Conditions are being closely monitored and plans will be updated accordingly,'' the company said.

KARIJINI CLOSED

The Department of Parks and Wildlife advises that Karijini National Park in the Shire of Ashburton will be closed until further notice from 12pm today due to Cyclone Christine.

Gales, destructive winds and heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Christine are expected in the region today and tomorrow.

PILBARA HEALTH SERVICES

The WA Country Health Service Pilbara wishes to advise residents of Karratha, Port Hedland and surrounding districts of health service access in the lead up to and during Cyclone Christine.

During Yellow Alert, people in Karratha requiring urgent medical care can access Nickol Bay Hospital however, it is recommended that only emergency patients or those requiring urgent care come to the hospital during this time.

As is usual practice in the lead up to a cyclone, an emergency medical team will be managing patients and where possible, transferring to other hospitals that are not in the predicted path of the cyclone.

Upon Red Alert status, an Emergency Medical Response Team will be located in the Karratha Leisureplex (Cyclone Evacuation Centre) immediately adjacent to Nickol Bay Hospital. This is where more people and services are expected to locate to ensure safe refuge.

Please do not go to Nickol Bay Hospital during a Red Alert. Medical staff will only be available at the Karratha Leisureplex.

Port Hedland residents are advised that they can seek urgent medical attention at the Hedland Health Campus.

Residents can keep up to date with Tropical Cyclone forecasts by checking the BoM website.

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