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Cyclone Fina Skirts Darwin, Knocking Out Power as Airport Stays Shut

Forecasters say the compact system may intensify over the Timor Sea before weakening near the Kimberley.

Overview

  • Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina remains a category three system moving southwest away from the Top End, with sustained winds near 140 km/h and gusts up to 205 km/h, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
  • Darwin International Airport stayed closed on Sunday as crews assessed conditions, and authorities urged residents to avoid downed powerlines and storm‑damaged areas.
  • Local impacts included widespread power outages, fallen trees and a partial ceiling and roof collapse at Royal Darwin Hospital, where officials reported no injuries and engineers began inspections.
  • A cyclone warning remains in place from Wadeye to Cape Hotham, including the Tiwi Islands and coastal communities, with heavy rain and gales easing through Sunday but lingering hazardous conditions possible.
  • Emergency shelters opened across Darwin and Palmerston, the prime minister and NEMA pledged support, and officials said ADF personnel were on standby to assist with clean‑up and recovery.