According to the latest storm news, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said it was too late to leave the area, and residents and tourists were urged to seek safe shelter immediately.
Location of fina and current danger level
fina is 65 km north-northeast of Darwin and 60 km east-southwest of Wurrumiyanga. The storm is moving west-southwest at a speed of 9 km/h.
The storm reached the intensity of Level 3, with sustained winds near the center of the storm at about 140 km/h, gusting up to 195 km/h.
Rain could reach 300 mm in 48 hours.
The storm is forecast to sweep through the Darwin coast tonight, November 22, before continuing to move south of the Timor Sea tomorrow, November 23 (local time).
The radar system in Darwin shows that the storm is forecast to continue moving west-southwest and passing north of Darwin tonight. After passing Darwin, fina is forecast to maintain severe tropical storm intensity from Sunday (November 23) to Monday (November 14) as it moves across the southern Timor Sea, then weaken from Monday or Tuesday (November 25- near the Kimberley coast.
Although the storm will weaken after crossing land, strong winds and heavy rain will continue to affect many areas.
Powerful gusts of up to 185 km/h are likely to occur along the southeastern coast of the Tiwi archipelago and gradually spread westward during the day, possibly affecting Wurrumiyanga tonight.
The open-air coastal areas northeast of Darwin (including Gunn Point and Cape Hotham) are also at risk, but the risk in Darwin is assessed as low.
Strong gusts of wind can cause trees to fall, overturn vehicles, and damage the roof.
Extreme rain can lead to flooding, flash floods, power outages and interruptions to essential services.
Outlying areas such as Tiwi Island and some indigenous communities have been provided with emergency information by the authorities.
Areas under urgent warnings
The BoM issued an emergency storm warning from:
Darwin to Cape Hotham
Part of the Tiwi archipelago, around the Wurrumiyanga area
Visitors should stay in shelter and avoid going outside at this time.
In addition, the areas of Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Daly River Mouth to Cape Don and Batchelor are ready to respond as soon as required.
Absolutely do not go out if you are in the eye of the storm, because strong winds from other directions can hit at any time.
Traffic paralyzed due to the impact of storm fina
Darwin Airport has been closed since 9am this morning. Passengers are advised to check flight information directly with the airline, monitor continuous updates from the airport and limit travel if not really necessary.
Both Virgin Australia and Qantas have canceled their trip - to Darwin today.
The Darwin - Tiwi ferry route has stopped operating.
Hurricane season in Australia
Australia has an average of 10 tropical cyclones per season, with three to four making landfall (based on data from 1980-81).
Since 2000, the average number of cases per season has decreased to about 8-9 cases.
Each season, there is at least one tropical cyclone making landfall in Australia.
Tropical cyclones can cause strong gusts of wind, heavy rain and flooding, high waves, storm surges and coastal flooding.
The BoM forecasts that in the future, the number of tropical cyclones may be smaller but stronger, with more intense heavy rains, more destructive winds and more dangerous rising water.
Most tropical cyclones form during the official hurricane season (November to April). However, since some systems may appear outside this period, the statistics are calculated for the entire 12-month period, from July to June of the following year.
