Video will begin in 5 seconds.

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) is forced to halt loading ships at Port Hedland as Tropical Cyclone Christine approaches in Western Australia.

A red alert has been issued for Port Hedland and district residents as tropical cyclone Christine intensifies and heads towards Western Australia's Pilbara coast.

Residents from Pardoo to Whim Creek in thePilbara have been told to stay indoors, with the approaching cyclone posing a threat to homes and lives.

Hedland resident Sarah Smith told Fairfax Media on Monday Christine, a category three cyclone, was expected to hit landfall about 11pm Monday.

A satellite image from Monday morning shows the approaching cyclone. Photo: BOM

"We should expect to go on red alert at 9am this morning with a landfall crossing expected about 11pm tonight," Ms Smith said.

Advertisement

She said a yellow alert was issued about 6.30pm on Sunday which closed all Hedland businesses.

She said supermarket produce was low as residents rushed to stock up on supplies to get them through the impending red alert which prevented people leaving homes and secure buildings.

Here is the original post:

Residents on red alert as cyclone nears