Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina Intensifies, Threatens Tiwi Islands and Darwin
A powerful severe tropical cyclone, Fina, has rapidly intensified to a category three system and is poised to impact the Tiwi Islands and Darwin today. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued the warning early Saturday morning, confirming the cyclone reached category three strength in the van Diemen Gulf after crossing the Cobourg Peninsula overnight.
The system is currently tracking south-west across the gulf and is anticipated to pass north of Darwin later today, bringing with it the potential for widespread disruption and damage. Residents are urged to follow the latest updates and heed all warnings from local authorities. A dedicated live blog is providing ongoing coverage of the cyclone’s path and impact.
Darwin is bracing for a “rapid increase in winds” later this afternoon and evening, according to the weather bureau. While cyclone Fina had previously fluctuated between category one and two intensity – briefly weakening yesterday before regaining category two strength – the BOM had previously indicated the possibility of further intensification.
A category three cyclone is defined by the BOM as having “very destructive winds,” with maximum mean wind speeds ranging from 118 to 159 km/h and typical strongest gusts reaching 165 to 224 km/h. These conditions are expected to lead to power failures, significant damage to crops and trees, and potential damage to roofs and structures. The system also poses a threat to caravans, with the potential for complete destruction.
Currently, as of the latest BOM advice, cyclone Fina is located 85 kilometers north-east of Darwin and 75 kilometers east of Wurrumiyanga, moving west south-west at 9 km/h. Sustained winds near the center are measured at 130 km/h, with wind gusts up to 185 km/h.
Cyclone warnings are currently in effect for the Tiwi Islands, Wadeye to Cape Don, including Darwin, the Cobourg Peninsula, Pirlangimpi, milikapiti, and Wurrumiyanga. A cyclone watch extends from Wadeye to Troughton Island in western Australia, encompassing Kalumburu.Alerts for Minilang to Wurruwi have been lifted.
Looking ahead, the BOM forecasts that Fina will maintain its severe tropical cyclone intensity on Sunday and early Monday as it traverses the southern Timor sea. The system is then expected to begin weakening during Monday or Tuesday as it approaches the Kimberley coast.
The BOM is committed to providing frequent updates, with the next advisory scheduled for 12:30 AM ACST. Residents in affected areas are strongly encouraged to stay informed and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions.
Why: Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina intensified rapidly, posing a threat to the Tiwi Islands and Darwin due to its category three strength and destructive winds.
Who: The cyclone directly impacts residents of the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, and communities along the coast from Wadeye to Cape Don, including Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, and Wurrumiyanga. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is the primary source of information and warnings.
what: Cyclone Fina is a category three severe tropical cyclone bringing very destructive winds, potential power outages, damage to infrastructure, and threats to vulnerable structures like caravans.
How did it end?: As of the latest forecast, Fina is expected to weaken during Monday or Tuesday as it approaches the Kimberley coast, though it will maintain its intensity through Sunday and early Monday.The BOM continues to monitor the system and provide updates.
