Darwin, NT — Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina has intensified to a Category 3 system, bringing destructive winds exceeding 200–205km/h as it tracks dangerously close to the Top End, prompting widespread power outages, emergency sheltering, and travel warnings across the region.

Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors, activate household emergency plans, and avoid all non-essential travel as the cyclone’s impacts escalate. Emergency services warn the situation will remain volatile for several hours as conditions worsen into the evening.

Cyclone Stronger Than Marcus

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that Fina, now more powerful than Cyclone Marcus (2018), is already generating heavy rainfall and destructive winds across Darwin, Palmerston, and the rural area.
SecureNT has advised that the worst conditions are expected around sunset, particularly in coastal suburbs including Casuarina, Nightcliff, Fannie Bay, and Larrakeyah.

Power has been lost across numerous suburbs, with emergency crews responding to multiple reports of fallen trees and power lines.

An emergency hotline has been activated on 1800 888 901, and residents are urged to follow live updates via SecureNT.

Shelters Fill as Residents Prepare for a Long Night

Public shelters across Darwin, Palmerston, and the rural area opened early, with hundreds of residents, visitors, and itinerant community members seeking cover.

Supreme Court Carpark Shelter

Around 60 people settled in at the Supreme Court carpark shelter, where conditions are hot and crowded due to heavy rainfall forcing gate closures.
With limited amenities, some residents expressed concern about the lack of bedding, food, and hot drinks. Government representatives reiterated that cyclone shelters are not full evacuation centres, and services are intentionally minimal.

Backpackers and visiting residents, some experiencing their first cyclone, said they felt safer indoors despite anxiety about the damage awaiting them once they return home.

Palmerston and Casuarina Shelters Mobilise

Shelters at Palmerston College, Palmerston Shopping Centre, and Casuarina Shopping Centre received a steady flow of families and residents throughout the afternoon.

Residents arriving at the Casuarina basement carpark brought pets, bedding, water, and emergency supplies.

Photo: Smriti Magar

Others expressed concern for their homes, including fears of falling trees and structural damage, while newcomers to the Territory acknowledged uncertainty about what to expect from a severe cyclone.

Volunteer and on-site staff helped distribute water and ensure families were settled safely.

Tiwi Islands Face Volatile Conditions

Authorities on the Tiwi Islands declared it was “now or never” for residents to move to shelter, with police and emergency services using buses and loudspeakers to relocate families to the designated refuge at Wurrumiyanga School.

Tiwi Islands Regional Council officials said the lack of a cyclone-coded shelter has left many residents feeling abandoned.

With worsening winds and rainfall, response teams equipped with chainsaws and emergency kits are on standby for clearing debris once conditions allow.

Community Reactions Range From Calm to Concerned

Across Darwin’s foreshore and suburban areas, reactions varied widely:

• Some long-time Territorians viewed the early storm activity as manageable and continued outdoor activities before the worst hit.

• Newer residents expressed nervousness as they prepared homes, secured loose items, and stocked emergency supplies.

• Families who lived through historic cyclones, including Cyclone Tracy survivors, shared stories with younger generations as they prepared for Fina’s arrival.

• Residents reminded others to remain vigilant, avoid risky activities, and keep away from unstable trees and structures.

One neglected skip bin full of loose construction waste in Rosebery prompted frustration from neighbours concerned about potential airborne debris.

Road Closures and Safety Warnings

Police and NT Infrastructure teams have closed several roads across the Northern Region due to flooding and hazardous conditions. Motorists are warned that strict penalties apply for ignoring road-closure signs.

Authorities say conditions will be reassessed once it is safe to do so.

Pets and Livestock Brought Indoors

Many residents have made exceptions to their “no pets inside” rules, with livestock and domestic animals being secured indoors for safety.
Member for Goyder, Andrew Mackay, encouraged residents to prioritise the safety of animals, even sharing images of his chickens sheltering in his home.

“Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina Is Here” — Emergency Controller

Incident Controller Kirsten Engels said the Territory has had ample time to prepare and urged calm as Fina reaches its peak intensity.

“Everybody should now be activating their household emergency plans or moving to shelters and avoiding any unnecessary travel,” she said.

What Residents Should Do Now

• Stay indoors and away from windows

• Follow SecureNT and Bureau of Meteorology alerts

• Bring pets inside

• Avoid roads, coastal areas, and fallen power lines

• Use shelters only if home is unsafe

• Keep emergency supplies nearby