Cyclone Fina Intensifies to Category 3 as It Heads Toward Darwin

Severe weather looms for the Top End

Cyclone Fina has intensified into a Category 3 system and is tracking toward the Northern Territory coast, placing Darwin and surrounding regions on high alert. Authorities are warning of sustained winds around 150 km/h and gusts up to 205 km/h, with heavy rainfall, storm surge and flooding risks imminent.

Where the system is and how it’s moving

• The cyclone is currently located just north of Darwin, moving south-west at about 8 km/h.
• It passed near the Tiwi Islands and may make its closest approach to Darwin later this evening, around the high-tide window (~8 pm).
• Meteorologists expect that after brushing near Darwin, the storm may strengthen further into Category 4 as it heads into the southern Timor Sea and toward the Kimberley coast.

Preparations under way

Darwin’s airport, major supermarkets and transport services have shut down in preparation for the incoming system. Emergency shelters have been opened, especially in vulnerable island and coastal communities. Residents are being urged to enact their cyclone plans: secure loose items, stock essential supplies, and stay indoors until the all-clear is given. Power outages and fallen trees are already being reported.

Anticipated impacts

• Wind and structural damage: With Category 3 winds in place, there is a real risk of structural damage to buildings, as well as fallen trees and power outages.
• Flooding and storm surge: Heavy rainfall (200-300 mm in some areas) and storm surge coincide with high tide, elevating flood risk in low-lying coastal zones.
• Regional reach: While Darwin is a primary focus, the Tiwi Islands, Van Diemen Gulf and parts of the north Kimberley are also expected to feel severe conditions.

What happens next

BoM (the Bureau of Meteorology) forecasts the storm will maintain its severity through Sunday and Monday, with possible weakening only after reaching open sea near the WA/NT border. However, the exact track remains uncertain and slight changes could shift the most intense impacts.