Tropical Cyclone Fina: Path, Warnings, and What’s Next for Northern Territory Communities

TC Fina’s Current Status: Where Is the Cyclone Now?

As of late November 2025, Tropical Cyclone Fina is churning across the Northern Territory’s Top End, currently classified as a category one system. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Fina is slowly moving south, its center maintaining sustained winds of about 75 kilometres per hour, with gusts peaking at 100km/h. Residents of north-west Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands find themselves under a cyclone alert, with communities bracing for the possibility that Fina will intensify before making landfall.

Landfall Projections: When and Where Will Fina Hit?

Forecast models and official BOM tracking maps suggest that Fina will make its first significant impact on the Tiwi Islands, likely around 1am CST on Saturday morning. By then, the cyclone is expected to strengthen to a category two system, bringing higher winds and potential for more severe local impacts. The warning zone currently stretches from Maningrida in the east to Cape Don on the Cobourg Peninsula, encompassing communities such as Minjilang and Warruwi, as well as the entirety of the Tiwi Islands and Darwin, extending east to Gunbalanya.

Preparing for Impact: Community Actions and Official Guidance

For those living in the warning zone, the advice is clear and urgent: preparations should be underway, with a particular focus on securing boats and property. BOM urges residents to consider the actions they’ll need to take if the cyclone threat increases. In cyclone-prone regions like these, even category one systems can cause significant disruptions—power outages, fallen trees, and localized flooding are all possibilities. The forecasted escalation to category two heightens the risk, especially for remote communities where emergency services and infrastructure may be limited.

The Tiwi Islands, exposed and isolated, have a history of bearing the brunt of tropical cyclones. For local residents, cyclone preparedness isn’t just a checklist—it’s a ritual honed by experience. From boarding up windows to ensuring water and food supplies, every detail matters. Schools and community centers often serve as temporary shelters, and communication lines are tested in anticipation of possible outages.

Looking Ahead: Fina’s Projected Path and Potential Hazards

After making landfall, BOM forecasts indicate Fina could continue on a south-west trajectory through the Timor Sea on Sunday and into early next week. This path raises further concerns for coastal and inland communities, who must remain alert for changing conditions. The cyclone’s movement is being closely monitored via a live 120-hour forecast map, which highlights high-wind areas and active warning zones.

For many in the NT, the annual cyclone season is a test of resilience and community spirit. Each storm brings a familiar tension—watching the skies, listening for updates, and rallying together to protect what matters most. Fina’s arrival serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of preparation, especially in regions where geography and isolation complicate response efforts.

At this stage, authorities have not reported major evacuations, but contingency plans are in place. The BOM continues to update its tracking map, and local officials urge residents to stay tuned to official channels for the latest information.

While the exact impact of Fina remains to be seen, the combination of increasing wind strength, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding means that vigilance is crucial. For those outside the immediate warning zones, the advice is to remain aware and ready to support affected communities if the need arises.

Assessment: Based on the latest available facts from BOM and regional updates, Tropical Cyclone Fina represents a significant but manageable threat to Northern Territory communities. The early warning system and community preparedness routines are being put to the test, and while the cyclone’s intensification is a concern, the coordinated response and clear guidance offer hope for minimizing disruption and ensuring safety.