Tropical Cyclone Fina is gradually making its way toward the Northern Territory’s coastline, with meteorologists predicting it will strengthen to a Category 2 cyclone.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued alerts for several areas, including Darwin, the Tiwi Islands, and regions stretching from Dundee Beach to Warruwi, as well as inland areas like Batchelor, Cobourg Peninsula, Minjilang, Gunbalanya, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, and Wurrumiyanga. These locations are expected to start feeling the cyclone’s effects today, continuing into the weekend.

Wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, and forecasts predict up to 300mm of rainfall, raising concerns about potential flash flooding, particularly in the Tiwi Islands and Warruwi.

The last time Darwin encountered a cyclone of similar intensity was in 2018, when Tropical Cyclone Marcus hit the area as a Category 2 storm.

As Cyclone Fina approaches, here’s what we know so far.

What category cyclone is Fina?

Fina is currently travelling as a category 1 storm after it was downgraded yesterday, carrying damaging winds up to 85km/h with gusts of up to 120km/h.

But the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the system will strengthen to category 2 later tonight.

It is forecast to bring destructive winds with gusts up to 164km/h, which can bring down trees and power lines and damage homes. 

Fina will continue travelling as a category 2 when it passes through Darwin this weekend. 

The system is forecast to worsen to a severe tropical cyclone and a category 3 storm as it moves away from the coast to the southern Timor Sea on Sunday afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology, however, warns there is a chance that it could reach category 3 earlier, during late today or early tomorrow.

Where is Tropical Cyclone Fina now?

Fina was tracked about 85 kilometres north of Minjilang and 295 kilometres north-east of Darwin.

It is slowly travelling south-east towards the Northern Territory coast and is currently over the Cobourg Peninsula. It will hit the Tiwi Islands tonight.

Fina will continue through Darwin and the Van Diemen Gulf tomorrow, with the capital city set to experience the worst of the conditions then.

Emergency Minister Kristy McBain told reporters this afternoon that Fina has slightly changed track.

“At this stage, the cyclone has actually changed track a little. It’s due to move into the Van Diemen Gulf but may still impact around Darwin,” she said.

The impacts of the storm, however, are already being felt now with showers and winds lashing the Top End. 

What are the warnings in place?

Secure NT has issued an emergency warning for residents in Cape Don to Minjilang to shelter immediately.

Destructive winds, torrential rain and potential flooding may disrupt essential services like water, electricity and gas.

Residents in Darwin, the Tiwi Islands, Dundee Beach to Warruwi, inland to Batchelor, the Cobourg Peninsula, Gunbalanya, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti and Wurrumiyanga are under a watch and act warning.

There is a heightened level of threat, and those in the area are advised to take action now and enact their household emergency plan.

Those between Wadeye and Dundee Beach should consider what they may need to do if the cyclone threat increases.

The federal government has already activated its emergency response and deployed officials to the region.

Federal and state politicians have also been working to keep remote Indigenous communities informed.

What is currently closed? 

Darwin Airport is not closed as of yet, but precautionary safety measures are in place across the precinct.

“The safety of those who work at Darwin Airport, the travelling public, and the wider community remains our highest priority,” the airport said in a statement. 

Darwin Airport is monitoring the situation and advises passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.

“Airlines will continue to provide the most accurate and timely information,” the airport said.

Virgin has cancelled services to and from Melbourne tonight and services to and from Brisbane tomorrow.

The airline is reaching out to affected passengers and advising passengers travelling on Sunday and early next week to monitor the status of their flight. 

All Qantas flights are currently operating as normal today, but the airline is monitoring the evolving situation to reassess operations tomorrow. 

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has shut four remote schools today: Mamaruni School, Warruwi School, Milikapiti School and Pularumpi School.

Non-government schools in these areas can be contacted to confirm whether they will be open.

Secure NT said carers of school-aged children and vulnerable residents should now be released to attend to their carer responsibilities.

The ferry between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands is also not running due to the weather.

How to prepare for a tropical cyclone?

Secure NT urges residents to prepare or enact their household emergency plan, secure loose items, and stay informed.

Every household is advised to have an emergency kit, which should include a battery-operated radio with spare batteries, a torch, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, essential toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags, money, important documents, a mobile phone and non-perishable food.

“Depending on your location, you may need to rely on your kit to get through until the emergency has passed or help arrives,” the site reads.

“Ensure that your kit is able to sustain you and each member of your family for 72 hours or more.”

Anyone in a life-threatening situation should call Triple Zero.

Authorities have also set up an emergency hotline at 1800 888 901.