Flights cancelled, schools closed: What we know about the looming tropical cyclone Fina

Flash flooding, destructive winds and more than 300mm of rainfall is expected to follow the tropical cyclone over Darwin.

Tropical Cyclone Fina is slowly approaching the Northern Territory coast and is expected to intensify to a category 2 storm.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Darwin, the Tiwi Islands, Dundee Beach to Warruwi, inland to Batchelor, Cobourg Peninsula, Minjilang, Gunbalanya, Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti and Wurrumiyanga are in the firing line and will feel the impacts of the looming system.

Up to 300mm of rainfall is forecast, which is feared to trigger flash flooding in the Tiwi Islands and the Finniss, Adelaide, Mary, Wildman, South Alligator, East Alligator and the Goomadeer rivers.

LIVE BLOG: 'Shelter' warning issued as Cyclone Fina approaches

The last time Darwin saw a cyclone of this magnitude was Tropical Cyclone Marcus, which made landfall as a category two storm in 2018.

As Fina inches closer, here is everything we know. 

What category cyclone is Fina?

Fina is currently travelling as a category 1 storm after it was downgraded yesterday, carrying damaging winds up to 85km/h with gusts of up to 120km/h.

But the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the system will strengthen to category 2 later tonight.

It is forecast to bring destructive winds with gusts up to 164km/h, which can bring down trees and power lines and damage homes. 

Fina will continue travelling as a category 2 when it passes through Darwin this weekend. 

The cyclone will intensify again to a category 3 storm as it moves away from the coast to the southern Timor Sea by Monday.

The Bureau of Meteorology, however, warns there is a chance that it could reach category 3 earlier, during late today or early tomorrow.

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Where is Tropical Cyclone Fina now?

Fina was tracked about 110 kilometres north north-east of Minjilang and 325 kilometres north-east of Darwin.

It is slowly travelling south-east towards the Northern Territory coast and is forecast to approach the Cobourg Peninsula and Tiwi Islands tonight.

Fina will continue through Darwin and the Van Diemen Gulf tomorrow.

The impacts of the storm, however, are already being felt now with showers and winds lashing the Top End. 

What are the warnings in place?

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises residents between Cape Don to Minjiling to finish their preparations now and be prepared to shelter in place.

Residents on the Tiwi Islands, and between Dundee Beach to Warruwi, including the Cobourg Peninsula, Darwin and Batchelor, are urged to immediately begin or finish preparations, particularly securing boats and property.

Those between Wadeye and Dundee Beach should consider what they may need to do if the cyclone threat increases.

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What is currently closed? 

Darwin Airport is now closed as of yet, but precautionary safety measures are in place across the precinct.

"The safety of those who work at Darwin Airport, the travelling public, and the wider community remains our highest priority," the airport said in a statement. 

Darwin Airport is monitoring the situation and advises passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.

"Airlines will continue to provide the most accurate and timely information," the airport said.

Virgin has cancelled services to and from Melbourne tonight and services to and from Brisbane tomorrow.

The airline is reaching out to affected passengers and advising passengers travelling on Sunday and early next week to monitor the status of their flight. 

All Qantas flights are currently operating as normal, but the airline is monitoring the evolving situation.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has shut four remote schools today: Mamaruni School, Warruwi School, Milikapiti School and Pularumpi School.

Non-government schools in these areas can be contacted to confirm whether they will be open.

Secure NT said carers of school-aged children and vulnerable residents should now be released to attend to their carer responsibilities.

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How to prepare for a tropical cyclone?

Secure NT advises residents to prepare or enact their household emergency plan, secure loose items, and stay informed.

Every household is advised to have an emergency kit, which should include a battery-operated radio with spare batteries, a torch, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, essential toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags, money, important documents, a mobile phone and non-perishable food.

"Depending on your location, you may need to rely on your kit to get through until the emergency has passed or help arrives," the site reads.

"Ensure that your kit is able to sustain you and each member of your family for 72 hours or more."

Anyone in a life-threatening situation should call Triple Zero.

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