Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 7:26 am ACST [5:56 am AWST] on Sunday 23 November 2025
Headline:

Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina is located to the west of Darwin and slowly moving away from the coast.
Areas Affected:
Warning Zone

The central and western Tiwi Islands and Cape Hotham to Wadeye. This includes Darwin, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Wurrumiyanga and Wadeye.
Watch Zone

Wadeye (NT) to Troughton Island (WA) including Kalumburu (WA).
Cancelled Zone

None.
Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina 02U at 6:30 am ACST [5:00 am AWST]:

Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 150 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 205 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 20 kilometres of 12.5 degrees South 129.9 degrees East, estimated to be 110 kilometres west of Darwin and 115 kilometres southwest of Wurrumiyanga.

Movement: west southwest at 10 kilometres per hour.

Fina remains as a small but intense category 3 cyclone. It is slowly moving southwest, away from Darwin. The very destructive core of the cyclone is now located well off the northwest Top End coast.

Fina is forecast to remain a severe tropical cyclone during Sunday as it moves southwest, through the southern Timor Sea. It will start weakening during Monday as it nears the north of the Kimberley coast.
Hazards:

VERY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 185 km/h are no longer expected over mainland or island areas as Fina continues to move away from the coast.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 155 km/h are possible about the exposed coastal areas of the Cox Peninsula, including Dundee Beach for the next few hours. Destructive wind gusts are no longer expected over the Tiwi islands, including Wurrumiyanga.

GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are likely about the coastal areas southwest of Darwin to Daly River Mouth. Gales may further extend from Daly River Mouth to Wadeye later today, only if Fina takes a more southerly track.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are still possible about the Tiwi Islands and coastal areas from Darwin to Cape Hotham within the warning zone during the morning.

GALES may possibly extend to coastal parts of the north Kimberley in WA on Monday, from Kalumburu to the WA/NT Border, as Fina moves through the Timor Sea and begins to weaken. Gales are not expected to extend to Wyndham or Kununurra.

HEAVY to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL, which may lead to FLASH FLOODING, is expected to continue around Darwin, and adjacent inland areas during the morning, extending southwest to Daly River Mouth. Refer to the adjacent Severe Weather Warning.

Coastal residents on the Tiwi Islands, and between Cape Hotham and Warruwi are specifically warned that tides may continue to rise above the normal high tide mark with LARGE WAVES and MINOR FLOODING of low-lying coastal areas.
Recommended Action:

NTES advises people about coastal locations around the Cox Peninsula, should stay calm and remain in a secure shelter. Do not venture outside. Heed the advice and follow the instructions of Emergency Services personnel and local authorities.

NTES advises people about the central and western Tiwi Islands, and areas between Daly River Mouth to Cape Hotham, including Darwin, should remain sheltered in a safe place. Outside property, including boats, playground equipment, chairs and tables should be secured.

NTES advises people between Daly River Mouth and Wadeye should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property, using available daylight hours.

NTES advises people elsewhere near and between Wadeye and the NT/WA Border should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases. For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Secure NT website (https://securent.nt.gov.au). For emergency assistance call the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).

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