UPDATE: Destructive wind gusts are currently battering remote communities in the Top End as tropical cyclone Fina strengthens and approaches major population centers. The cyclone has intensified, with the Bureau of Meteorology upgrading it to a Category 3 storm early Saturday morning.
As of 10:30 AM Darwin time, Fina is tracking just 85 km northeast of Darwin, with sustained winds near the center reaching 130 km/h and gusts up to 185 km/h. A cyclone warning is in effect for Darwin and surrounding areas, including the Tiwi Islands and Daly River Mouth to Cape Don.
This storm poses an urgent threat to communities, with the potential for wind gusts reaching up to 224 km/h that can cause severe structural damage. The weather bureau warns that “very destructive wind gusts are likely about exposed coastal sites northeast of Darwin today,” although the immediate risk for Darwin is assessed as low.
Nonetheless, heavy rainfall is anticipated, leading to possible flash flooding in coastal regions between the Tiwi Islands and Warruwi, and extending across the western Top End, affecting areas including Darwin this weekend.
“My thoughts are with people at this time and also with the emergency service workers and others who will be working hard,”
said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the situation from South Africa. The NT Emergency Service is confident that most buildings in Darwin can withstand the storm and has urged residents to stay indoors while the winds pass.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore reported that wind speeds of 150 to 180 km/h could be expected near the cyclone’s center, with Darwin potentially experiencing winds up to 120 km/h. These conditions are “easily enough to cause property damage and bring down trees and power lines,” he added.
Some areas, particularly islands, have already recorded over 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, and similar totals are forecasted for the Darwin area. The impact of the storm remains highly dependent on Fina’s exact track and intensity.
“If it moves a bit further north, less impacts for Darwin, more impacts for the Tiwi,” said Narramore. “But if it wobbles a little bit further south this afternoon, we could see more impacts in Darwin.”
On the ground, Alice Williams, the office coordinator for the Tiwi Islands Regional Council in Milikapiti, reported that winds are escalating and some residents are feeling anxious. Community sirens are ready to alert residents as conditions worsen, prompting the community of about 500 to prepare for shelter.
Most businesses in Darwin have closed, including major supermarkets, in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact. Conditions are expected to ease by late Sunday as the system progresses towards Western Australia.
Historically, Darwin has faced devastating storms, with Cyclone Tracy being the most catastrophic, claiming 66 lives on Christmas Day in 1974. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed warnings as Cyclone Fina continues its approach.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing situation unfolds.
