Tropical Cyclone Fina is expected to change direction southward on Thursday, heading towards the Northern Territory's Top End, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
BoM has warned that the cyclone remains a category two storm, with sustained winds near the centre of 95km/h and wind gusts reaching 130 km/h.
"Tropical Cyclone Fina remains a category two system and is slow moving. It is expected to turn to the south today then southwest towards the northern coast of the Top End," the BoM said in a warning on Thursday morning.
"It should approach the Cobourg Peninsula and Tiwi Islands on Friday, impacting areas over the northwest coast of the Top End of the Northern Territory.
"Fina is forecast to maintain category two intensity in coming days but an increase to category three on Friday or Saturday as it nears land remains a possibility."
Category two systems can generate wind gusts ranging from 125 km/h to 164 km/h, leading to minor damage to houses and substantial damage to crops, signs, trees, and caravans, as well as causing power outages.
Darwin has not faced a cyclone since the category two system Marcus caused power outages for nearly 29,000 properties in March 2018.
'Warning Zones'
Cape Don to Maningrida, including Cobourg Peninsula and Minjilang and Warruwi, are in the BoM's warning zones, while the Tiwi Islands, and Darwin east to Gunbalanya are in the watch zone.
BoM has warned that the situation might get worse in the coming days, with destructive wind gusts to 155km/h "may develop between Cape Don and Warruwi from Friday as the system nears the coast, extending to the Tiwi Islands early Saturday and possibly to Darwin later on Saturday".
Flash flooding could also occur along coastal regions between the Tiwi Islands and Maningrida starting on Friday, then spreading to the coast and adjacent inland areas across the western Top End, including Darwin, by Saturday.
Stocking up on basic supplies
The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) has advised those near and between Cape Don and Maningrida to "immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property, using available daylight hours."
NTES has also advised people on the Tiwi Islands, and Darwin east to Gunbalanya to "consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases".
Store shelves were left empty after Darwin residents stocked up on bottled water and other supplies. Source: AAP / Lloyd Jones
Darwin residents have been stocking up on basic supplies, including bottled water, bread and canned goods, as they prepare to bunker down ahead of the cyclone, leaving supermarket shelves empty.
Extra police have been sent to remote communities to ensure shelters are ready and they have enough food, water and back-up batteries.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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