Northern Territory residents around the Groote Eylandt and Gulf of Carpentaria coastal regions are being urged to finalise their cyclone preparations before the eye of Tropical Cyclone Trevor makes landfall. 

The effects of the Category 3 system are due to be felt a few hours either side of when TC Trevor makes landfall on the coast at around mid-morning tomorrow.  

Regional Commander Travis Wurst said communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria will experience destructive winds in the area several hours prior to the eye of the cyclone crossing through the region.  

“The size of this system is part of the reason why we began evacuating people so early this week,” he said.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has told us that the eye of the storm is about 30 kilometres wide and the cyclone will continue moving south for up to 24 hours after it makes landfall. The effects of the cyclone will be felt between 300 and 400 kilometres either side of the eye of the storm.

“We’re urging people who are still in the watch or warning zones to finalise their preparations this evening. Make sure your homes, yards, family and emergency kits are ready by tonight.”

Communities south of Cape Crawford are being urged to decide where they will shelter or if they will leave the area while it is still safe to do so.

“Destructive winds and forecasts rainfalls of 100 – 200 mils per day mean that there is a risk of flooding from where the cyclone makes landfall between Borroloola and the NT/Queensland border down through to the Barkly region,” Regional Controller Wurst said.

“Because of this we don’t want people travelling to the Gulf of Carpentaria or Barkly region over the weekend or early next week. Talk to your family and friends, including those in the outlying areas and make sure they’re aware of the situation.”

People in the region are being asked to heed the advice of local authorities, including any road closure messages as the system moves south over the weekend and into Monday.

“Tropical Cyclone Trevor could still intensify and change direction.

“Keep checking Secure NT and the Bureau of Meteorology websites and social media and listening to local radio including ABC for up to date information over the coming days,” Regional Controller Wurst said.

For more information on planning for a cyclone and what to include in your kit, head to the Northern Territory Emergency Services website: https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Cyclones.aspx

Bureau of Meteorology weather warning updates are available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/

The Secure NT also includes up to date information about Tropical Cyclone Trevor: https://securent.nt.gov.au/

Media contact: pfes.media@pfes.nt.gov.au