Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina has intensified to a category 3 storm as it approaches Darwin today, with residents told it is too late to leave and take shelter now.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an emergency warning for Darwin to Cape Hotham, including parts of the Tiwi Islands around Wurrumiyanga.
The system is bringing the worst of the conditions to the area, with gusts of up to 185 km/h and 48-hourly rainfall totals nearing 300mm.
The last time Darwin saw a cyclone of this magnitude was Tropical Cyclone Marcus, which made landfall as a category 2 storm in 2018.
As Fina is expected to make landfall in Darwin later today, here is everything we know.
What category cyclone is Fina?
Fina was upgraded to a category 3 storm this morning as it continues to intensify with gusts reaching 185km/h and 48-hourly rainfall totals to exceed 300mm.
The current strength of the system threatens to cause roof and structural damage to homes and bring down trees and power lines.
Very destructive winds and intense and localised rainfall are threatening to cause flash flooding.
Fina will continue travelling as a category 3 as it makes landfall in Darwin and passes through the coastline this weekend.
The storm has, however, slowed from 11km/h to 9km/h since this morning.
Where is Tropical Cyclone Fina now?
Fina is about 85 kilometres north north-east of Darwin and 75 kilometres east of Wurrumiyanga.
It is travelling at 9km/h towards the coastline and is expected to pass just north of Darwin later this evening.
The system has slightly changed track and will move out towards the southern Timor Sea tomorrow after passing Darwin.
There, it will continue to weaken and move further away from the coastline.
But winds and rain may still impact the surrounding areas.
What are the warnings in place?
An emergency cyclone warning is in place for residents from Darwin to Cape Hotham, including parts of the Tiwi Islands around Wurrumiyanga.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that it is too late to leave and residents should take shelter now.
A watch and act warning is in place for parts of the Tiwi Islands, including Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Daly River Mouth to Cape Don, and inland to Batchelor.
Residents should secure loose items and prepare themselves and their property for the incoming storm.
Wadeye to south of Daly River Mouth is under an advice warning, with residents urged to monitor the situation.
Earlier warnings for inland areas in the Batchelor region have been cancelled.
A flood watch is also in place for the Tiwi Islands and Moyle, East Alligator, Goomadeer, Lower Daly, Finniss, Adelaide and Upper Adelaide, Mary, Wildman and South Alligator rivers.
The NT government warns that destructive winds, torrential rain and potential flooding may disrupt essential services like water, electricity and gas.
The federal government has already activated its emergency response and deployed officials and resources to the region.
Authorities have also been working to keep remote Indigenous communities informed.
What evacuation shelters are open?
Shelters have opened across Darwin for people who feel unsafe staying at home or who have no alternative place to shelter:
- Palmerston College
- Taminmin College
- Dripstone Middle School
- State Square car park
- Wagait Shire Community Centre
- Casuarina Square car park
- Palmerston Shopping Centre car park
- Berry Springs Primary School
- Milikapiti Primary School
- Tiwi Islands Regional Council Milikapiti
- Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School
- Palarumpi School Pirlangimpi
What is currently closed?
Darwin Airport was closed from 9am today, as staff work with airlines, emergency services, and government agencies to ensure the safety of all passengers, workers, and the community.
“Your safety is our top priority. Please avoid travel unless absolutely necessary,” the airport said in its latest update.
Darwin Airport will be monitoring the situation and advises passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.
“Airlines will continue to update their schedules as conditions evolve,” the airport said.
Virgin and Qantas both cancelled services in and out of Darwin today.
The airlines are reaching out to affected passengers and reaccommodating them on different flights.
Passengers travelling tomorrow and early next week are advised to monitor the status of their flight as the situation evolves.
The ferry between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands is also not running due to the weather.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro shut four remote schools yesterday: Mamaruni School, Warruwi School, Milikapiti School and Pularumpi School.
How to prepare for a tropical cyclone?
Secure NT urges residents to prepare or enact their household emergency plan, secure loose items, and stay informed.
Every household is advised to have an emergency kit, which should include a battery-operated radio with spare batteries, a torch, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, essential toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags, money, important documents, a mobile phone and non-perishable food.
“Depending on your location, you may need to rely on your kit to get through until the emergency has passed or help arrives,” the site reads.
“Ensure that your kit is able to sustain you and each member of your family for 72 hours or more.”
Anyone in a life-threatening situation should call triple zero. Authorities have also set up an emergency hotline at 1800 888 901.
