Cyclone Fina Moves Closer to Australian Coast, Darwin on Alert

Darwin, 19 November — Tropical Cyclone Fina is rapidly approaching the Australian coastline, prompting authorities to urge residents in Darwin to remain on high alert. The cyclone, which continues to intensify, is expected to strengthen into a category-2 storm as early as tonight.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that the strongest impacts of the storm are expected over the weekend, bringing gale-force winds, storm surges and heavy rainfall to the Darwin region.

According to Nine News Australia and The New York Times, citing BoM data, Fina is the first cyclone of the season and could potentially make a historic landfall in the coming days.

Satellite image of cyclone ‘Fina’.

Fina is currently classified as a category-1 cyclone, rapidly intensifying off the north-northeast coast of the Northern Territory at a much faster pace than initially forecast.

At present, the cyclone sits around 370 km from the coast, with the most severe weather conditions forming near the storm’s eye.

Forecasters say the system is expected to move further toward the north-northeast NT coast this evening, reaching category-2 intensity.

After strengthening, Fina may shift direction, curving southwards and eventually tracking southwest toward the NT’s northern coastline.

Direct impacts are expected between Thursday night and Friday, especially along coastal areas.

Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said: “In areas under the Tropical Cyclone Watch, gale-force winds are likely to develop within the next 48 hours. Some regions may experience these conditions as early as tomorrow, while others may not see gale-force winds until Friday morning.”

She added that destructive wind gusts of up to 135 km/h may develop between Cape Don and Warruwi from late Thursday into early Friday.

Authorities noted that Fina remains fast-moving and unpredictable, meaning several possible scenarios could unfold. Residents along the NT coastline have been urged to prepare for severe weather conditions.

As of 3:30 am ACST, Cyclone Fina recorded sustained winds of 75 km/h, with gusts reaching 100 km/h. The storm was located roughly 315 km northeast of Darwin, moving at approximately 9 km/h.

Officials advised the public to stay updated through the Bureau of Meteorology’s website as the situation continues to evolve.