Baku, January 12 (AZERTAC). The Pilbara has been lashed by winds of up to 140km/h and torrential rain as Tropical Cyclone Heidi crossed the coast this morning. The category 2 cyclone crossed the Pilbara coast to the east of Port Hedland about 4.30am, and is now 80 kilometres south of Port Hedland and is moving south-southwest at 13km/h. The cyclone was downgraded to category 1 at 11am, but a red alert is still in place for coastal areas from Pardoo to Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and South Hedland, where residents have been told to remain indoors. However, the warning from Dampier to Whim Creek, including Roebourne, Pt Samson and Karratha, has been cancelled. While the worst of the cyclone has passed, residents are now bracing for flooding. FESA warned there is a possible threat to lives and homes due to rising water levels in local rivers and streams. Communities between Port Hedland and Karratha are being urged to take action as minor flooding is expected today. Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett said that although the intensity of the wind was lessening, the area was now being affected by lots of rain. "Some people have had flooding in their roofs, and electrical faults," she said. "There are about 2000 houses without power at the moment and lots of trees have fallen down too." Ms Howlett said the category 2 cyclone was not as disastrous as Cyclone George in 2007, which was a category 5 cyclone that caused destructive damage and claimed three lives. "There was still a significant amount of noise though for a category 2 cyclone but everyone was well prepared for it," she said. Ms Howlett said she expected the red alert to remain in place until midday when the full extent of the damage would be properly assessed. Port Hedland residents have told how their homes were battered by strong winds as Heidi hit the town early this morning. Communities between Pardoo and Whim Creek have all been ordered to shelter while those further inland were told to gather up emergency supplies and brace for Heidi`s wrath. The Bureau of Meteorology said winds of up to 120 km/h had been whipping along the coast overnight, with destructive gusts of up to 150 km/h possible. Up to 250 millimetres of rain was possible across central and eastern parts of the Pilbara, the Bureau said. A dangerous storm tide was also predicted for coastal areas. Port Hedland`s airport and bulk export port had shut down due to the weather system. Mining firms across the region have sent all non-essential workers home, and families were battening down the hatches.