People are being warned to not get drunk tonight as a red alert has been issued for people along the Pilbara coast.

The cyclone was still a category 4 system with sustained winds near the centre measuring 165km/h, and gusting up to 230km/h, as of 3pm.

It is currently sitting 185km north of Karratha and 205km north of Port Hedland, and is travelling south at 8km/h.

A red alert has been issued for people between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and South Hedland, extending east but excluding Marble Bar. People are urged to seek shelter immediately.

A yellow alert is in place for communities between Wallal to Pardoo and Whim Creek to Mardie, including Point Samson, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha, Dampier and inland including Marble Bar.

People in Pannawonica and Nullagine need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water, with a blue alert issued for the area.

Port Hedland mayor Camilo Blanco issued a warning to the community about taking the risk seriously.

“Do not get intoxicated,” he said.

“You need to be alert and vigilant.”

While the effects of Veronica will start to be felt this evening, the eye of the storm is not likely to cross the coast until Sunday morning.

Evacuation centres have been set up at the JD Hardie Centre, Cottier Drive, South Hedland and Karratha Leisureplex, Dampier Highway. As of 1pm, there were 60 people at the Hedland evacuation centre.

The latest warnings can be found here.