Miners batten down for Pilbara cyclone Forecasters are warning of a major storm surge when a category two tropical cyclone hits the Pilbara. CYCLONE Christine is intensifying and is expected to cross WA's Pilbara coast tonight, as iron ore miners shut down production. A red alert has been issued for people in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and South Hedland. "You need to go to shelter immediately and stay indoors away from windows and doors," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warns. Australia's biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast. The Bureau of Meteorology estimated the category three tropical cyclone was 155km north of Port Hedland and 280km northeast of Karratha, and moving southwest at 12km/h towards the Pilbara coast. 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. LOCKDOWN: Cyclone lifts iron ore price FATALITY: Death at Fortescue's Pilbara site 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. The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has set up a relocation point at the JD Hardie Centre in South Hedland. A yellow alert is current for people in or near coastal areas between Whim Creek and Mardie including Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha, Dampier, Marble Bar, Tom Price and Pannawonica. Authorities say there is a possible threat to lives and homes as the cyclone approaches. A blue alert remains for people in or near coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Pardoo, and in or near coastal areas from Mardie to Onslow, and inland areas from Marble Bar to Newman. If the path of the system remains unchanged, a red alert will be declared from Whim Creek to Mardie at midday, and a red alert is likely for Tom Price and Paraburdoo from 6pm (WST) on Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) says. Cyclone Christine will continue to intensify and is expected to cross the coast between Karratha and Port Hedland on Monday night or early on Tuesday morning, BoM says. Gales with gusts to 110km/h and heavy rainfall are occurring between Bidyadanga and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland, and should extend west overnight. Very destructive winds with gusts in excess of 200km/h are likely near the centre as the cyclone crosses the coast, while destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected to extend inland on Monday night as the cyclone moves south, BoM says. Heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and flood warnings have been issued for the Pilbara, as well as dangerous storm tides.