Cyclone Fina: Emergency Alert for Northern Coast, Transport suspended

Darwin, 22 November: Authorities in northern Australia are ramping up preparations as Cyclone Fina intensifies and moves closer to the coastline. At an emergency briefing on Friday afternoon, officials announced the launch of a dedicated emergency hotline — 1800 888 901 — to assist affected residents as the severe weather approaches.

Darwin Expected to Face the Worst Impact on Saturday

Heavy rain and strong winds began sweeping across northern coastal communities from Friday afternoon.

Croker Island recorded 190 mm of rainfall overnight

Cobourg Peninsula experienced wind gusts reaching 120 km/h. Although Fina weakened slightly as it tracked south, it has since intensified back to a Category 2 system. Authorities expect the cyclone to deliver its strongest impact on Darwin from Saturday midday onwards.

Warning Zones Expanded Further South

Shenagh Gamble, Manager of Hazard Preparedness and Response at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), said the cyclone watch area has been extended further south to include Dundee and the Daly River Mouth. Meanwhile, Maningrida and several eastern communities have been removed from the watch zone.

A severe cyclone warning is currently in place from Cape Don to Minjilang.

Residents Urged to Reach Shelters Before Nightfall

Superintendent Kirsten Engels, Incident Controller at the Territory Emergency Operations Group, said shelters in Minjilang and Warruwi were opened on Thursday night.

Territory Emergency Operations Group Incident Controller Superintendent Kirsten Engels as Tropical Cyclone Fina approaches Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Residents were advised to reach shelters before darkness on Friday, as worsening conditions are expected.

Communities in Minjilang were also warned about potential flooding, with tides expected to rise one metre higher than the highest astronomical tide.

Public Transport Suspension in Darwin

Authorities confirmed that bus services will be suspended in Darwin on Saturday, although businesses have not been instructed to close.

“When the storm begins, stop your vehicle, seek shelter and do not head outside until authorities confirm it is safe,” Engels said.

Officials Explain Cyclone Warning vs Emergency Warning

Wayne Snell, Chief Officer of NT Emergency Service, reminded residents of the difference between a cyclone warning and an emergency warning.

A cyclone warning means residents should closely monitor updates

An emergency warning requires immediate final preparations and taking shelter.

He urged Darwin residents to activate their emergency plans now and ensure they have enough supplies to last at least three days.

‘Calm Before the Storm’: Nightcliff Residents on Alert

In Darwin’s coastal suburb of Nightcliff, locals were seen preparing for worsening weather.

Wendy and Iven McLennan, visiting from New South Wales, said they had stocked up on essentials and cleared outdoor objects to prevent them from “becoming missiles” in strong winds.

They noted that memories of Cyclone Tracy remain vivid in the region, but added that improved building standards have given locals more confidence.

Fina to Make Landfall on Saturday

According to the latest forecasts, Cyclone Fina is expected to make landfall after midday on Saturday, bringing severe weather across Darwin and the wider northern coastline.

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Source: Northern Territory News