Warnings for far north as cyclone nears coast

Residents in Australia's far north are being told to leave if they're not prepared as Tropical Cyclone Hayley approaches land.

The system is expected to be a category three storm when it reaches Western Australia's northern Dampier Peninsula on Tuesday night.

Wind gusts up to 200km/h could hit between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque with heavy rain and flash flooding possible, the Bureau of Meteorology warns.

Damaging 100km/h winds could develop over the region as early as Tuesday morning.

"If you live across the Kimberley area, now is the time to start thinking about preparing your tropical cyclone kit," meteorologist Sarah Scully said on Monday night.

Residents across the Dampier Peninsular should leave if they were not prepared, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area," the warning said.

Residents should prepare their emergency kits with enough canned food and water to last a week, along with a first-aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen for warnings.

An evacuation centre was open at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre for those in the warning area, the department advised.

Residents who chose to stay at home should secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under cover, fasten cyclone shutters and ensure pets are safe.

Across the country, communities in Queensland are continuing to withstand heavy monsoon rain and flash flooding.

The bureau warned six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 160mm was possible on Tuesday, although the rain forecast could drop below severe levels later in the day.