According to the most recent update from Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Tropical Cyclone Christine slammed into the coast of Western Australia Tuesday morning, packing extremely strong winds and widespread heavy rainfall.

The Australian government has issued a red alert for those directly in the path of the category three storm, which first crossed the coast between Whim Creek and Roebourne.

As of 3:00 a.m. WST, Christine was located approximately 190 kilometers southwest of Port Hedland and 70 kilometers south-southeast of Karratha. The storm is moving in a south-southwesterly direction near 17 kilometers per hour and is expected to take a more southerly track over the next six hours.

A cyclone warning is in effect for coastal areas from De Grey to Onslaw and includes Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow. The warning extends inland to Paraburdoo, Tom Price, Newman, Three Rivers and Wiluna.

A cyclone watch is currently in effect for areas further inland to the eastern Gascoyne and northern Goldfields, and going as far as Leinster and Carnegie.

Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a red level alert for the communities in or near the coastal areas between De Grey and Mardie, and extending inward to Tom River and Paraburdoo.

"There is a threat to lives and homes," DFES said. "You are in danger and need to act immediately."

The DFES urges residents affected by the red alert to seek shelter, move to the strongest and safest part of their homes, stay away from all doors and windows and to stay inside until the all clear is given by authorities.

Several shelters have been set up in the red alert area. A list of these shelters is available on the DFES website.

The BOM warns that very destructive winds with gusts in excess of 180 kilometers per hour are possible near the center of the storm over the next few hours.

Additionally, destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130 kilometers per hour are occurring in the Karratha area and are expected to extend well inland through Tuesday. Wind gales with gusts to 120 kilometers per hour are occurring between De Grey and Mardie and will extend to the inland Pilbara through Tuesday morning.

This storm brings with it the potential for a very dangerous storm tide that may affect people on the coast between De Grey and Wickham, including Port Hedland. Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

According to a report from ABC News Australia, Christine has already caused power outages to approximately 7,000 customers in the area where the storm first hit.

The State and Emergency Services (SES) says that it has already received reports of some minor damage, but expects that the situation could become significantly more bleak. Authorities say that the full extent of the storm's damage will not be known until the weather has cleared and a proper assessment can be made.