The first cyclone of the Australian season has made its presence known, with Tropical Cyclone Fina intensifying into a category two system and impacting communities across the country's north.
Cyclone Path and Intensity
Tropical Cyclone Fina is currently affecting the Cobourg Peninsula, situated approximately 350 kilometres east of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The system is forecast to move across the region throughout Friday evening. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has indicated that there is a significant chance the cyclone could escalate to a category three intensity during late Friday or early Saturday as it tracks into the Van Diemen Gulf.
Federal assistance has been mobilised for the NT government in preparation for Fina, which had weakened overnight before surging back in strength. Emergency generators have been dispatched by the Commonwealth to support the response efforts.
Community Warnings and Preparations
Locals have been issued urgent warnings to brace for heavy downpours and destructive winds. Gusts reaching 120km/h are already battering the coastline between Cape Don and Warruwi. Darwin has been placed within a official warning zone, with residents told to expect winds powerful enough to damage houses and vehicles, topple trees, and cause widespread power cuts.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain sought to reassure communities, stating, "What I would say to Northern Territory communities right now is your fellow Australians are with you."
In anticipation of the severe weather, Top End residents have been swiftly stocking up on essential supplies. Supermarket shelves have been cleared of items like bottled water, bread, and canned goods as people prepare to hunker down.
Expected Impacts and Cancellations
According to senior meteorologist Angus Hines, Darwin residents can expect destructive winds to develop from lunchtime on Saturday. The rain is also forecast to intensify across the city on Saturday, leading to a high risk of flash flooding.
The cyclone's approach has already led to the cancellation of multiple weekend sports and entertainment events. Conditions in the Top End are predicted to ease by late Sunday as the system moves towards Western Australia.
The event has evoked memories of Cyclone Tracy, the most devastating system to hit Darwin, which claimed 66 lives on Christmas Day in 1974.
