Tropical Cyclone Fina: Northern WA could be in the line of severe system, Kimberley residents told to prepareIbanez TaylorPerthNowFri, 21 November 2025 1:42PMCommentsComments
Residents in parts of WA have been told to start preparing for some impact as a cyclone continues to intensify off the coast of the Northern Territory.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is raising red flags about Tropical Cyclone Fina hitting Darwin and then barrelling toward northern WA in the coming days.
Metrologist Jess Lingard said the cyclone is expected to track into the southern Timor Sea — the waters between WA and Northern Territory — late on Saturday night where it will strengthen to a severe tropical cyclone.
“It will be a severe tropical cyclone as it moves north towards the Kimberley region,” Lingard told PerthNow.
“The system is expected to bring very strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous sea conditions, although atmospheric conditions in the region may reduce its intensity slightly once it enters the Kimberley waters.”
With forecasts showing a “high chance” of this system developing into a severe tropical cyclone, remote Kimberley communities have been put on alert.
If the cyclone crosses the coast in WA, coastal communities could see damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and localised flooding, but even if the system stays offshore, the system could bring enhanced thunderstorms and rain to the Kimberley.
Lingard stressed that tropical systems in this region can develop rapidly and change course, so making early preparation essential.
“We’re continuing to monitor the cyclone closely and will provide updates as the system moves through the Timor Sea,” she said.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services reminded residents that November to April is cyclone season for the north-west coast.
The last Tropical Cyclone to hit Darwin was Marcus which made landfall in 2018.
The category-two cyclone caused widespread damage with wind gusts up to 130km/h.
Pilbara and Kimberley communities were left isolated in February this year when category four tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed the region, with many residents in remote areas forced to evacuate.
In October, The Department of Fire and Emergency services warned people not to be complacent, saying it only takes one strong system to have a devastating impact
For more information on how to prepare visit the DFES Website
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