UPDATE: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fina is rapidly weakening after wreaking havoc across the Northern Territory and crossing into Western Australia overnight. The storm, which reached category four strength, has caused extensive damage, including downed trees and power outages affecting thousands.
As of Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the cyclone’s winds gusted over 170 km/h in the Kimberley region, particularly near the Berkeley River Mouth, before it was downgraded to a category two system. A spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that Fina is expected to weaken significantly as it moves inland, eliminating the threat of heavy rainfall in Western Australia.
Residents of the isolated Indigenous community of Kalumburu, located approximately 550 km northwest of Kununurra, are on high alert as the storm continues to impact the region. Kim Holm, CEO of the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation, reported that the community of around 400 people has been proactive in preparing for the storm.
“We cleaned everything up, made sure we’ve strapped everything down, and we’ve all got a little bit of extra spare food with a torch, just in case the power goes out,”
Holm stated, adding that residents are relieved the storm has lost intensity and will pass to the south of their community.
Warnings remain in effect for damaging winds of up to 120 km/h along the coast from King George River Mouth to the WA/NT border, extending inland east of Kalumburu. The weather system is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to the town of Wyndham, which has a population of about 900.
In the Northern Territory, a major clean-up operation is underway as crews work to restore power to thousands of homes and clear roads of debris. The Tiwi Islands, situated north of Darwin, have also suffered significant damage, with many communities left without power and trees toppled.
Residents are being urged to stay alert as Fina continues to move through the region. The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring the situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. As this situation develops, authorities emphasize the importance of safety and preparedness for all affected communities.
