A baby has been born after a pregnant woman was evacuated from the Tiwi Islands during Tropical Cyclone Fina. The emergency flight was arranged as the storm intensified, bringing sustained winds of 165 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that Cyclone Fina reached category four strength over water, moving south-west towards the Kimberley coast. The destructive core is now well off the west Top End coast, but the Tiwi Islands experienced the greatest impact, particularly the community of Wurrumiyanga.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said assessments revealed damage to power infrastructure in Wurrumiyanga, with restoration expected to take several days. No injuries or widespread property damage were reported across the islands.
In Darwin, residents emerged to survey damage from fallen tree branches and debris. Fishing shops reopened quickly, with manager Ronald Voukolos noting that fishing is a passion for locals: 'We only close one day a year, weather permitting, and it's Christmas Day.'
An emergency hotline (1800 888 901) remains available from 7am to 7pm, and the Bureau of Meteorology continues to provide updates on the cyclone's path.
