Staff closed services – including those that operate 24 hours - yesterday afternoon in response to torrential rainfall and “cyclone-like” winds up of to 98km/h. By 9am this morning Darwin had recorded almost 340ml in the 24-hour period and trees and power lines had been toppled.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a cyclone warning for coastal areas from the Daly River mouth to Point Stuart, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. A tropical low travelling along the coast less than 30km west of Darwin this morning is expected to move out into the sea and intensify into a cyclone.
Mission Australia staff in Darwin are liaising with police and local health professionals to ensure vulnerable and homeless clients are safely sheltered.
All schools, shops and government services in the area are closed until the cyclone passes and the all-clear is officially given. Mission Australia managers will reassess the situation tomorrow and take the lead from government as to re-opening services.
With the area experiencing winds above gale force, residents have been advised to make final preparations ahead of the expected cyclone.
Shelter and safety information:
The Northern Territory Emergency Service site contains practical advice for residents in cyclone zones.
When sheltering in a home it advises the most protected area is usually the smallest room. Also:
- Central hallways might give greater protection
- Rooms with few or small windows are preferable
- Solid doors with additional bolts offer greater security
- Metal screens or solid shutters give more protection against flying debris
For more information visit www.bom.gov.au/nt/ or listen to 105.7 ABC Darwin or by listening online. The Darwin page of the ABC site also provides Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services updates, safety advice as well as social media links.
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