Overview
Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina intensified to a Category 3 system as it passed north of Darwin, with sustained winds near the centre reaching about 150 km/h and very destructive gusts up to around 205 km/h. Forecasters warned the system could strengthen to Category 4 as it moves west through the Timor Sea toward the Kimberley coast. Bureau of Meteorology
Official forecasts and track
Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina was tracked moving west–southwest across the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and was forecast to weaken slightly but remain a Category 3 cyclone as it approached the northeast Kimberley coast. The Bureau of Meteorology issued forecast track maps showing Fina’s expected path and hazard zones, and warned of very destructive wind gusts, heavy to locally intense rainfall and a storm tide risk for low-lying coastal areas. Bureau of Meteorology
Local impact in Darwin and the Top End
Darwin experienced gale to destructive winds as Fina passed, with reports of fallen trees, property damage and power outages across the city and surrounding Top End communities. Darwin International Airport and many supermarkets were closed as precautionary measures, and emergency services advised residents to enact household emergency plans and stay indoors. The Guardian
Witness and official reports said parts of Darwin lost power, trees and infrastructure were damaged, and a section of roofing partially collapsed at Royal Darwin Hospital (with no reported injuries). Authorities stood by to support clean-up and recovery, with emergency services and the Australian Defence Force on standby to assist if requested. ABC News
Wider consequences and preparations
Authorities issued cyclone warnings and advised residents in affected areas to prepare supplies for at least 72 hours, avoid downed powerlines and follow local emergency information. Shelters were opened and additional police and emergency resources were deployed to remote communities at risk. The Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services continued to update warnings and community advice as the cyclone tracked offshore. The Guardian
Reported damage and outages
Thousands of residents across the Northern Territory experienced power outages overnight as Fina passed, with initial assessments reporting widespread downed trees, damaged roofs and submerged roads in some areas. Darwin airport closed as a precaution before operations were assessed and re-established when safe. No fatalities were reported in initial reporting. Reuters
Storm strength and historical note
Meteorologists noted Fina was the first cyclone of this strength (Category 3) in Australian waters in November in about 20 years. Forecasts indicated the cyclone could intensify to Category 4 after passing Darwin as it moved westward over warm ocean waters. The Guardian
Situation as Fina moves offshore
After moving away from Darwin, Fina tracked west into the Timor Sea and was expected to continue towards the northeast Kimberley coast. Warnings emphasised the potential for very destructive wind gusts, large waves, storm tides and locally intense rainfall that could cause flash flooding in coastal river catchments. Bureau of Meteorology
Caption: Bureau of Meteorology forecast track map and severe weather update for Tropical Cyclone Fina. Bureau of Meteorology
Caption: Uprooted trees and local damage in Darwin after Cyclone Fina. ABC News
Caption: Darwin CBD was largely empty as residents enacted emergency plans ahead of Fina. The Guardian
Add Your Perspective
- What local impacts from Cyclone Fina are you most concerned about in your community?
- Do you think preparedness and official messaging were effective ahead of Fina?
- How should authorities balance evacuation, sheltering and infrastructure protection in remote coastal communities?
- What lessons from recent cyclones should be prioritised for recovery and future planning?
Sources: Bureau of Meteorology, ABC News, The Guardian, Reuters, DW