Emergency services in the Northern Territory are urging people to take shelter are Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor makes landfall between Port McArthur and the border with Queensland at around 10am this morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning, a Marine Wind Warning and a Flood Watch for Carpentaria Coastal Rivers, the Georgina River and the Barkly because of the severe and deteriorating weather conditions associated with the Category 4 system.

Regional Controller Travis Wurst said most people have been evacuated from the area, but those still in the Gulf of Carpentaria region should take shelter this morning.

“This warning covers from Alyanngula in the Northern Territory across into Burketown in Queensland. Because of the size of this system and its predicted path, the warning also extends across the communities near the coast and as far south as Brunette Downs.”

“People on Groote Eylandt and anyone still in the McArthur River Mine region should finalise their preparations and look to take shelter in the strongest possible buildings as Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor makes landfall in the coming hours and moves inland today.”

Residents in the Barkly region are being urged to check that their emergency kits include several days worth of water. Possible flooding and damage to infrastructure, such as power and pipes may mean that water supplies are contaminated.

“There are also a number of road blocks in the Barkly region to stop people travelling to areas in the path of the cyclone and to preserve the conditions of roads as much as possible,” Regional Controller Wurst said.

“Even though the cyclone may have left the area where you are, we’d urge you not to go outside to explore the damage. There may be downed power lines or other hazards. We don’t want to see anyone putting themselves in danger,” he said.

“Our teams will be surveying the area and we will let people know when it is safe to return home. Depending on the level of destruction, this may not be for some time, but we will keep those who have been affected informed about what’s going on.”

For more information about Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor, check the Bureau of Meteorology and Secure NT websites and social media pages and keep listening to local radio. The Northern Territory Emergency Services website also has tips on how to prepare for a cyclone or for flooding.

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