Tropical Cyclone Fina Intensifies as it Approaches Darwin
Remote communities in Australia's Top End are experiencing destructive wind gusts as Tropical Cyclone Fina moves back over water and heads towards Darwin. The category-two system passed over the Cobourg Peninsula overnight before entering the Van Diemen Gulf on Saturday, tracking slowly in the direction of the Northern Territory capital.
Revised Path Brings Mixed News for Residents
In some relief for Darwin inhabitants, Bureau of Meteorology expert Dean Narramore confirmed that Fina's adjusted trajectory would pass further offshore from the city than initially predicted. However, the senior meteorologist warned ABC listeners that this development meant southern areas of the Tiwi Islands would likely face stronger gale-force winds.
Early on Saturday morning, cyclone warnings were active for multiple regions including Darwin, the Cobourg Peninsula, Tiwi Islands, Minjilang, and areas from Daly River Mouth to Warruwi extending inland to Batchelor.
At 3:30am Darwin time, the system demonstrated sustained winds of 100km/h near its centre, with gusts reaching 140km/h. The cyclone was positioned approximately 145 kilometres northeast of Darwin at that time.
Potential for Further Intensification
Mr Narramore indicated there was 'definitely a possibility' that Fina could strengthen to a category-three system, particularly if it navigated between the Tiwi Islands and Top End while remaining over water. Category three cyclones can generate wind gusts up to 224km/h and cause structural damage to buildings.
Gale-force winds were expected to extend further west to include Darwin during Saturday morning, spreading across the remainder of the Tiwi Islands throughout the day.
Speaking from South Africa, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern for those in the cyclone's path. 'My thoughts are with people at this time and also with the emergency service workers and others who will be working hard,' he stated, encouraging residents to look after themselves and each other.
Emergency Services Issue Critical Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology updated that heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in coastal regions between the Tiwi Islands and Warruwi, with the western Top End including Darwin facing this risk throughout Saturday and Sunday. Croker Island Airport in remote west Arnhem Land recorded nearly 200mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading to Saturday morning.
Northern Territory Emergency Services advised people in Fina's path to remain in secure shelter while destructive winds continue. 'Do not venture outside if you find yourself in the eye of the cyclone - destructive winds from a different direction could resume at any time,' the warning emphasised.
Mr Narramore predicted the most severe conditions for Darwin would likely occur from Saturday evening into the overnight hours, though he expressed hope that Fina's most destructive winds would remain over water.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain offered reassurance from Canberra, stating: 'What I would say to Northern Territory communities right now is your fellow Australians are with you.' Federal assistance has been offered to the NT government as preparations continue.
Top End residents have been stocking up on essential supplies, with supermarket shelves rapidly emptying of bottled water, bread, canned goods and other household necessities. Many businesses remained closed on Saturday, including major supermarkets.
NT Emergency Services chief officer Wayne Snell advised on Friday that residents should prepare to be self-sufficient for approximately three days. Authorities expected to direct Darwin residents to identify their shelter locations and remain there until given official clearance, expressing confidence that homes would withstand the storm.
Weather conditions are forecast to ease by late Sunday as the system moves toward Western Australia. The memory of Cyclone Tracy, which killed 66 people in Darwin on Christmas Day 1974, remains fresh in the community's consciousness as they brace for Fina's impact.
