Cyclone Fina tracker map: When it will hit the NT coastline
Tropical Cyclone Fina has sustained winds of 95 kilometres per hour near its centre. ()
Tropical Cyclone Fina has formed off the Northern Territory's Top End and has the potential to reach the coast on Friday or Saturday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a cyclone watch alert for communities in north-west Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, with the cyclone now due to make landfall as a category two storm.
It is expected to make a turn south today towards the Top End coast.
The BOM's latest update shows the cyclone has sustained winds of 95 kilometres per hour near its centre, with wind gusts up to 130km/h.
On Sunday and early next week, the system might continue on a south-west path through the Timor Sea, the BOM said.
Live 120-hour Cyclone Fina forecast map
This map shows a 120-hour forecast for Tropical Cyclone Fina's path.
It also shows high-wind, cyclone watch and cyclone warning areas.
Tropical Cyclone Fina is expected to make landfall west of Minjilang by Saturday morning.
Official BOM Cyclone Fina tracking map
A cyclone warning zone stretches from Milingimbi in the east to the entire Tiwi Islands in the west, including the communities of Minjilang, Warruwi, Maningrida, Gunbalanya, Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi, and Wurrumiyanga.
People living within those areas should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases, according to the BOM.
People near and between Cape Don and Warruwi should immediately begin preparations, such as securing boats and property.
The BOM has not ruled out Fina intensifying into a category three storm as it nears land.
