By 10:30 AM local time in Darwin, Cyclone Fina was generating winds averaging 130 km/h at its core, with gusts potentially reaching 185 km/h. The cyclone was positioned 85 kilometers northeast of Darwin.

Significant rainfall posed a threat of flash flooding in coastal regions stretching from the Tiwi Islands to Warruwi, and this risk extended across the western Top End, including Darwin, throughout the weekend.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service expressed confidence that most structures in Darwin are equipped to handle the storm’s impact. Residents were advised to remain indoors as the severe winds passed through.

Certain island locations experienced rainfall totaling 200 mm within a 24-hour period, with forecasts indicating similar precipitation levels could affect the Darwin area.

As the weather worsened in Darwin, the majority of businesses opted to shut their doors. Source: SBS News / Josh van Staden

As the wind and the rain ramped up in Darwin, most businesses decided to close. Source: SBS News / Josh van Staden

Narramore said the impacts were highly dependent on the exact track and intensity of Fina.

Alice Williams, the office co-ordinator for the Tiwi Islands Regional Council at Milikapiti, near the most northerly reach of the territory, told AAP the winds were starting to pick up and some people were a “little bit anxious”.

As the wind and the rain ramped up in Darwin, most businesses were closed, including major supermarkets.

‘Your fellow Australians are with you’

“What I would say to Northern Territory communities right now is your fellow Australians are with you,” she told reporters in Canberra.