Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina - BOM (22/11 PM)

Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina is now a category 3 system and is expected to pass just north of Darwin this evening, moving west-southwest. At 2:30 pm it was about 60 km north-north-east of Darwin, with winds near the centre around 140 km/h and gusts to 195 km/h.

Who’s in the warning area?

Warning: Tiwi Islands, and Point Stuart to Wadeye, including Darwin, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Wurrumiyanga and Wadeye.

Watch: From Wadeye (NT) to Troughton Island (WA), including Kalumburu.

What to expect

Tiwi Islands & NE of Darwin (Gunn Point, Cape Hotham):

Very destructive gusts possible to around 195 km/h along exposed coasts, spreading west across Tiwi during the day and evening.

Darwin & Dundee Beach region:

Gales are spreading in this afternoon with a rapid increase in wind. Destructive gusts up to around 155 km/h are possible later today and tonight if the core comes close enough.

Daly River Mouth to Wadeye:

Gales and heavy rain may push southwest overnight and during Sunday if Fina tracks a little further south.

Rain & flooding:

Heavy, at times intense rain could lead to flash flooding, especially from Point Stuart to Dundee Beach, including Darwin, then extending towards the Daly River Mouth overnight and Sunday.

Coastal flooding / tides:

Around the Tiwi Islands and between Cape Hotham and Warruwi, tides will be higher than normal with large waves and minor flooding of low-lying coastal areas.

What to do

If you’re in areas from southern Melville Island and Cape Hotham to Point Stuart, stay in a secure shelter while destructive winds continue and do not go outside if it becomes calm – that may be the eye and dangerous winds can return from a different direction.

Elsewhere from Daly River Mouth to Cape Don, including Darwin, Batchelor and Cobourg, use the remaining daylight to finish preparations and secure boats and property.

Stay up to date with official advice on Secure NT and call NTES on 132 500 if you need emergency