Employers in the Greater Darwin area are being urged to reconsider their need to open for business today as Tropical Cyclone Marcus intensifies to a Category 2 system.
TC Marcus is tracking straight towards Darwin, which should expect damaging winds and heavy as the cyclone passes through the region today, Northern Territory Police say
Sustained wind gusts near the centre of TC Marcus are expected to reach up to 130km/h and may bring down trees and power lines and cause structural damage and localised flooding.
"Government businesses are closed today. We’re asking other businesses to consider the same measures," Regional Controller Warren Jackson said.
"We’ve been warning people they should seek shelter and stay indoors as TC Marcus approaches.
"Employers should think about their duty of care to their staff when they consider whether to open today."
Public transport is not operating today for safety reasons and people are being advised to stay off the road.
A list of public emergency shelters and car park shelters is available on the SecureNT website: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/shelter-locations/darwin
"People who are concerned about staying at their home or family or friends’ houses should consider moving to a cyclone shelter sooner rather than later," Regional Controller Jackson said.
You should activate your household plan now and consider their situation and act to keep themselves and their family safe.
"If you’re worried about your home being flooded or unsafe, those shelters are open today, but you need to head there now."
People shouldn’t wait until conditions deteriorate to make their own way to a shelter.
Anyone requiring Emergency Service assistance should call 132 500.
In any life-threatening situation call 000.
A Cyclone Warning is in place for Wadeye to Croker Island, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, and a Watch zone for Kuri Bay to Wadeye. The warning for the Van Diemen Gulf coast to Croker Island has been cancelled.
More information is available on the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/
