‘Severe’: Tropical Cyclone Fina upgraded to category three

Key Concepts:

• Severe Tropical Cyclone FINA
• Category 3 Storm
• Sustained Winds
• Gusts
• Van Diemen Gulf
• Tiwi Islands
• Darwin
• Rain Totals
• Damaging Winds
• Destructive Winds
• Intense Rain
• Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale

Severe Tropical Cyclone FINA Upgraded to Category 3

Tropical cyclone FINA has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm, now classified as a severe tropical cyclone. This upgrade signifies that the system is producing very destructive winds at its core.

Wind Speeds and Intensity

• Sustained Winds: Currently at 120 kilometers per hour.
• Gusts: Expected to approach 185 kilometers per hour later today.
• Strengthening: The system has been strengthening throughout the morning, and meteorologists now agree with the upgrade to Category 3, noting it was stronger than initially suggested by the Bureau.

Geographical Impact and Rainfall

• Location: FINA is a very small, tight-knit system that has been moving through the Van Diemen Gulf.
• Eastern Tiwi Islands: The eastern side of the Tiwi Islands is experiencing very destructive winds.
• Rainfall Totals:
  • Darwin has recorded 20 millimeters of consistent moderate rain, with totals expected to increase throughout the day.
  • Some observation centers have recorded in excess of 200 millimeters of rain.
• Potential for Intense Rain: Heavy rain could become intense at times, with hundreds of millimeters possible for some areas today and into tomorrow.

Threat to Darwin

• Dangerous System: FINA is considered a dangerous weather system and is likely to remain a Category 3 storm.
• Damaging to Locally Destructive Winds: Darwin is expected to experience damaging to locally destructive winds.
• Very Destructive Winds: Very destructive winds are only a possibility for Darwin if the system shifts slightly further south than its current track.
• Potential Direct Hit: There is a potential for a direct hit on Darwin, as indicated by the white shaded area on the track map. This necessitates close monitoring due to the high-end risks posed by the system.

Timing of Weather in Darwin

The worst of the weather for Darwin is anticipated from late this afternoon into tonight and overnight into early tomorrow, followed by a gradual easing trend.

Other Significant Weather Across Australia

• Sydney: Experiencing another dreary day with potential for more showers.
• Mori: Recorded significant storms overnight, with over 60 millimeters of rain. Further showers and storms are expected in other areas.
• South Australia: Adelaide has seen some showers and storms, with more expected to move into the city.
• Southwest Western Australia: Wet weather is present today, with a possibility of a shower or thunderstorm this afternoon in Perth that could cause a rain delay at the cricket.

Conclusion

Severe Tropical Cyclone FINA poses a significant threat, particularly to the Tiwi Islands and potentially Darwin, with the risk of very destructive winds and intense rainfall. The system's track and intensity are being closely monitored. Elsewhere in Australia, various regions are experiencing showers and storms.