The worst of Tropical Cyclone Heidi is over for many communities in Western Australia's Pilbara region, as it begins to lose strength and move inland.
The all-clear has been given for people between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and South Hedland.
Residents are now assessing the extent of the damage left in the wake of the cyclone.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says that although the threat has passed, people should take care to avoid dangers such as fallen trees and power lines.
A cyclone warning remains in place for inland areas of the Pilbara south of Whim Creek and Port Hedland, extending towards but not including Tom Price.
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The cyclone was a category 2 when it crossed the Pilbara coast to the east of Port Hedland about 4.30am (WST) on Thursday but was downgraded to a category 1 about 9.30am (WST).
Heidi is now moving across the Pilbara with wind gusts to 120km/h.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the system is weakening as it moves further inland and is expected to be below tropical cyclone intensity by Thursday afternoon or evening.
Heavy rain is falling near the system and rainfall totals up to 250mm are likely to the south and east of the cyclone path, the bureau says.
Tides along the Pilbara coast will also be higher than normal. Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett told AAP that although the intensity of the wind was lessening, there was plenty 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."
Ms Howlett said the cyclone was not as disastrous as Cyclone George in 2007, which was a category 5 and killed three people.
The Department for Child Protection had set up a relocation point at JD Hardie Centre in South Hedland but damage from the cyclone forced the 44 people who took refuge there to relocate to Port Hedland Civic Centre.
A flood warning has been issued for Pilbara coastal streams between Port Hedland and Karratha. FESA has warned people in the area to relocate equipment and livestock because water will flow fast and levels will rise quickly.
Port Hedland's airport and bulk export port remain closed. Mining firms across the region have sent home all non-essential workers.
Tropical Cyclone Heidi is the second cyclone of the season for the WA region and the first to affect the mainland.
