According to the latest storm information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), strong typhoon fina, level 3, is moving just north of Darwin on the afternoon of November 22 and causing strong winds, heavy rain and the risk of flash floods in many areas of North Australia.
Location and intensity of storm fina
At 5:00 p.m. (local time) on November 22, the center of fina was located near 11.9°N - 130.9°E, about 50 km north of Darwin.
Intensity: Level 3
Maintained strong winds: 150 km/h
Maximum gusts of wind: 205 km/h
Movement direction: West Southwest, speed 7 km/h
The weather radar system in Darwin shows fina as a small, very powerful system sweeping across the south of Melville Island.
BOM forecasts fina will maintain its strength through Sunday and early Monday (November 24), as it moves across the Timor Sea. The storm could weaken on Monday or Tuesday, November 25, when it approaches the Kimberley coast (Western Australia).
It is forecast that by November 23, fina will continue moving in the sea close to land and may reach its peak of Category 4 - the second highest level of the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale, with sustained winds reaching at least 159-8 km/h.
Areas strongly affected by storm fina
Warning Zone
Tiwi Islands
From Point Stuart to Wadeye
These include: Darwin, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Wurrumiyanga, Wadeye
Watch Zone
From Wadeye (NT) to Troughton Island (WA), including Kalumburu.
Storm fina forecast with natural disaster risk
The wind is very strong and extremely strong
Wind gusts of 202 mph are recorded south of Melville Island and could extend to Bathurst Island.
Northeastern Darwin, including Gunn Point and Cape Hotham, is at risk of severe winds, but Darwin expects a lower risk.
Wind gusts of 155 km/h are likely to appear at Wurrumiyanga tonight.
Wind gusts of 120 km/h have reached Darwin and the coastline from Darwin to Point Stuart.
Tourists should not go out, limit travel by road or waterway.
Heavy rain - risk of flash floods
Heavy to very heavy rains could lead to flash flooding in the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Point Stuart and coastal areas to Dundee Beach.
Rainfall in some places was recorded up to 200 mm, locally about 300 mm.
High waves, high tides
Some coastal areas from the Tiwi Islands to Warruwi may be partially flooded due to rising water combined with large waves.
Safety recommendations for tourists
If you are in Darwin, Dundee Beach, Daly River Mouth or Tiwi Islands, people and tourists should stay in their accommodation and absolutely do not go out during strong winds.
If the storm is temporarily calm (the wind is abnormally low), not going out - you may be in the "yball of a storm", strong winds may return from another direction.
Collect easy-to-fly items such as outdoor tables and chairs, camping equipment, luggage, and small boats.
Prepare flashlights, spare batteries, clean water and food for 48-72 hours.
Have a safe haven if the situation worsens.
Tourists in Darwin, Tiwi Islands and the Top End coastal area should postpone all outdoor activities, especially trekking, sea trips, and boating.
Check flight status again, as strong winds could disrupt operations at Darwin Airport.
Do not move between the Tiwi Islands during this time.
If you are at a coastal resort, ask for support from staff to get to a safer area if needed.
Forecast of the next path of storm fina
On the evening of November 22, the storm passed through northern Darwin.
On November 23, maintaining level 3-4 at sea Timor.
On November 24, it may decrease to level 2-3 when approaching the Kimberley sea area.
On November 25, it weakened into a tropical depression.
fina's forecast shows that this is a strong, dangerous system, directly affecting Darwin and the Top End region in the next 48 hours.
