Powerful Cyclone Ilsa is now in Australia as it made landfall around midnight Thursday local time on a remote coast in Western Australia with wind speeds that broke previous records.

Specifically, Cyclone Ilsa made landfall between De Gray and Pardoo Roadhouse with Australian Bureau of Meteorology experts classifying it as a Category 5 storm – the equivalent of a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane.

Since making landfall, the cyclone has weakened and moving southeast across the state, bringing heavy rainfall and sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (74 miles per hour). Just before hitting the mainland, Ilsa passed Bedout Island, a tiny uninhabited island, where sustained winds reached 218 km/h (135 mph) over a 10-minute period.

“Cyclone George was the previous record holder at 194 km/h in 2007 at the same location!” the Australian Meteorological Service tweeted.

It is not yet clear what damage the cyclone has caused in Western Australia, although the winds had the potential to cause significant damage to trees, buildings, power lines and other infrastructure.

“There will certainly be damage along the coastal areas where the cyclone will pass, but to a large extent the populated areas escaped the brunt of the gaze as it crossed the coast,” said Peter Sutton, from the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Department.

Early Friday, reports emerged for “big damage” at Pardoo Roadhouse, a popular destination for travelers on the highway along the coast.

The authorities had warned the residents to tie up anything that can fly from strong winds – caravans, trampolines, trailers and other items.

“Winds of this strength are extremely dangerous. Not only can they knock down trees, power lines and destroy roofs and houses, but they can also lift large fragile objects from your yard – boats, trailers or mobile homes – and launch them into the air.” warned meteorologist Miriam Bradbury.

Also, the authorities warned residents in some areas to leave their homes and to seek safe havens.

The strongest storm ever to hit any part of Australia was Cyclone Monica, which arrived in 2006 with sustained winds of about 290 km/h (180 mph) and swept across the eastern and northern parts of Australia.