Issued at: 1430hrs CST

A Tropical Cyclone Watch has been issued for Nhulunbuy to the Queensland border, including Groote Eylandt, with parts of the region currently preparing for evacuation to Darwin.

Katherine is also being considered for evacuees as a reception, registration and transit point with further accommodation arrangements being explored.

Currently Tropical Cyclone Trevor is situated in Queensland waters in the Gulf of Carpentaria at category 1 strength and is expected to re-intensify over Gulf waters from tomorrow evening, before crossing into the Northern Territory this Friday evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that the cyclone will make landfall between Borroloola and Groote Eylandt during Saturday as a category 4 severe tropical cyclone, with marine conditions in the Gulf deteriorating from tomorrow morning.

Regional Controller Travis Wurst said that the decision was made to evacuate due to the severity of the storm and the significant threat it poses, as well as the remoteness of the area, meaning it will take time to move people to safety.

“Local Emergency Management Committees have met and commenced their local plan activations in:

• Borroloola;
• Numbulwar;
• Ngukurr;
• Groote Eylandt including Alyangula, Angurugu, Umbakumba and Bickerton Island; and
• Nhulunbuy including Yirrkala.

“In the interest of public safety and given the forecast, a decision has been made to evacuate the communities of Numbulwar by road and Groote Eylandt by air. This process has commenced for Numbulwar and will commence soon for Groote Eylandt communities.

“This includes outstations and homelands near these areas.

“Our information tells us that this severe cyclone will be extremely dangerous and too dangerous for people to shelter in place.

“The system will be large and intense, with significant damage expected.

“Some people have already self-evacuated. Everyone else in these communities is asked to be ready for evacuation across today and tomorrow.”

“Local police, government and non-government agencies are currently working to ensure all community members are aware of the dangers present and the need to evacuate. Evacuations are taking place by road and air depending on the locations under direct threat.

Before departing, residents are asked to:

• Empty the fridge and turn off all taps
• Turn off electricity
• Lift appliances and furniture up above flood level

Residents with pets are advised to plan for their pets. Animals cannot be taken into public emergency shelters. Pets should be left in the strongest room in the house without windows, with enough food and water for five days. Residents are encouraged to leave a note on their front door to identify that there are animals inside.

What to bring to the Evacuation Centre:

• 1 bag (which you can carry) per person.
• Clothes and underwear
• Personal items like towels and toiletries
• Medicines and prescriptions
• Nappies, formula, toys and other things for children and babies
• Some form of identification
• Medicare card
• Bank account details

A Storm Force Wind Warning for the Roper Groote Coast and a Gale Warning for the Gove Peninsula Coast is also in place. Dangerous levels of flooding and waves are expected near the cyclone centre from Friday night into Saturday.

Regional Controller Wurst is warning people who are considering heading out on the water to stay well clear of the ocean.

“Tropical Cyclone Trevor will cause very heavy seas, storm surge and significantly higher than normal tides.

“Do not enter the water in any method; it will not be safe to do so and you will be risking your life and those of others’ when a rescue is required.”

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises communities under Watch:

• prepare your home and yard for a severe cyclone
• follow direction and advice of local emergency services

A list of what residents should include in their emergency kit can be found on the Northern Territory Emergency Service website: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Household-emergency-planning.aspx

For more information on the tropical low and weather warnings go to the BoM website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings

Cyclone preparedness information is available at SecureNT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones

Media Contact
Jess O’Reilly
0428 057 882