Northern Australia braces for tropical cyclone

A category 3 tropical cyclone swept across Australia’s Northern Territory yesterday, leaving thousands of residents sheltering from destructive winds of about 140 kilometres per hour.

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina loomed off the coast of the Northern Territory for several days before rapidly intensifying to a category 3 storm yesterday morning.

Authorities warned conditions were expected to worsen quickly and impact the busy city of Darwin. “As the sun goes down, conditions will deteriorate significantly,’ Bureau of Meteorology Northern Territory hazard preparedness manager Shenagh Gamble said.

“It will be a long night.”