Residents across the Top End are waking up to a significant clean-up operation this morning after a terrifying night where Tropical Cyclone Fina unleashed its fury, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain to the region.
A Night of Destruction and Warnings
The category-three storm, described by the Bureau of Meteorology as a "small and intense" system, first pummelled remote communities on the Tiwi Islands before setting its sights on Darwin and surrounding areas throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Wind gusts of up to 100km/h were recorded at Darwin Airport, whipping through the city and keeping the vast majority of people indoors, as advised by emergency authorities.
On Friday, Northern Territory Police incident controller Kirsten Engels had urgently warned residents to stay in their homes or designated emergency shelters until the all-clear was given. The severity of the conditions meant that even without the official order, the sweeping sheets of rain and howling winds made venturing outside unthinkable for most.
Significant Infrastructure Damage Reported
The cyclone's impact was felt at critical infrastructure sites, most notably at the Royal Darwin Hospital. On Saturday, a section of the ceiling on the first floor partially collapsed, with water reported inside the building. Thankfully, NT Health Minister Steve Edgington confirmed that no staff or patients were injured in the incident.
"I have spoken directly with the CEO of NT Health, who now has engineers on site assessing the structural integrity of the damaged area. Power has also been isolated," the Minister stated online, praising the frontline workers who continued their duties despite the storm.
Further afield, Tiwi College at Pickataramoor also sustained damage to its grounds and boarding accommodations. However, the school community remained in good spirits, crediting early preparations for preventing more severe destruction. "Tiwi College is looking a bit sad, and sorry for itself after Fina came to visit us today, but we forgive her," the school posted online, confirming all staff and families were safe.
Cyclone Track and Ongoing Impact
According to the latest updates, Cyclone Fina is currently tracking northwest of Darwin and is slowly moving away from the coast. However, the system is forecast to intensify into a category-four cyclone as it moves through the southern Timor Sea.
Bureau of Meteorology NT manager Shenagh Gamble had earlier warned that conditions would deteriorate rapidly. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore echoed this, noting that Darwin could experience winds of up to 120km/h, which is "easily enough to cause property damage and bring down trees and powerlines."
As the all-clear is expected on Sunday, residents will emerge to assess the full extent of the damage. Reports of power cuts and fallen trees were common on Friday, and more are anticipated. The community now shifts its focus to the massive task ahead: repair crews will work to restore power, while households and clean-up teams begin the arduous process of clearing debris from yards and roads.
