Tropical Cyclone Marcus has formed north of Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory Police say.
A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued for the area from Maningrida to Daly River Mouth, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands and a Watch is in place for the area from Daly River Mouth to Mitchell Plateau.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises that Tropical Cyclone Marcus is expected to approach the northwest Top End coast today, most likely crossing the Cobourg Peninsula tonight. The cyclone is expected to turn south towards the southwest, passing close to Darwin during Saturday, before moving into the Timor Sea late on Saturday or early Sunday. During Sunday, Tropical Cyclone Marcus is expected to approach the north Kimberley coast.
"A Warning is now in place for parts of the Top End and we’re advising people to stay indoors as the weather deteriorates," Regional Controller Warren Jackson said.
"If you haven’t stocked your emergency kit to sustain yourself and your family for 72 hours, you only have a limited timeframe to do so."
A list of what residents should include in their emergency kit can be found on the Northern Territory Emergency Service website: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Household-emergency-planning.aspx
"Tropical Cyclone Marcus may cause higher than normal tides and increase wind-driven surf. Our message to would-be surfers and anglers is to postpone their plans for another weekend.
"The increased rain in the area could also cause localised flash flooding, so we’re reminding motorists, to ‘turn around, don’t drown’," Regional Controller Jackson said.
Northern Territory Emergency Services advises residents from Milikapiti to Goulburn Island, including Croker Island to:
- Prepare for gales and heavy rain during today into this evening;
- Move indoors and shelter as the conditions deteriorate;
- Stay indoors and avoid travel during the storm;
- Stay away from beaches and immediate coastal areas as dangerous coastal flooding may occur.
People in Milikapiti to Cape Fourcroy, Point Stuart to Daly River Mouth including Darwin and Goulburn Island to Maningrida should:
- Be ready for wet and windy conditions to arrive in your area;
- Finalise your home preparations;
- Check your family, friends and neighbours understand and are prepared;
- Move indoors and take shelter as the weather deteriorates
NTES advises communities under Watch:
- Prepare your home, yard and family for a cyclone, finalise your emergency kit;
- Decide NOW where you will shelter - at home, with friends or family, or a public shelter, where available;
- If you plan to leave the area, leave while it is safe to do so.
For more information on the tropical low and weather warnings go to the BoM website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings
Cyclone preparedness information is available at SecureNT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones
