Elcho Island has already lost power and water supply as strong winds herald the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Winds are gusting at up to 195km/h 55km north northeast of the island, and locally winds are also starting to strengthen.
Locals watching the radar estimate they have a few more hours before they face the brunt of the storm.
"We still have a little while, but trees have started to go down; it is starting to get a bit hairy," said Galiwinku teacher and resident Josh Keating.
"Power and water is a concern, as we don't know how long it will be before we get it back. It could be a matter of days, or it could be a week."
Residents in older community housing have been encouraged to relocate to shelters at the local school and Marthakal Aboriginal Corporation workshop.
Both are housing approximately 400 people and are being manned by local teachers and volunteers.
"There are only six of us here working with the NT Emergency Services, and two police," said Mr Keating.
"We're getting updates from the police and emergency services, but also relying on the Bureau of Meteorology and US Navy websites."
He said the atmosphere is still pretty good, considering the circumstances.
"People aren't too worried," he said.
"There's really not much more we can do; the school has a generator, we are as prepared as we can be, and we know we are somewhere safe. We just have to ride it out."
The very destructive core of severe tropical Cyclone Lam is continuing to track southwest, parallel to the Wessel Islands, and is expected to make landfall on the mainland coast between Milingimbi and Gapuwiyak overnight Thursday or Friday morning.
It is expected to weaken during Friday as it moves inland over Arnhem Land.
But there are additional concerns for the nearby communities of Gapuwiyak and Milingimbi.
A storm surge is predicted to coincide with a very high tide on Friday morning, which could create serious flood damage for these low-lying communities.
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