Cyclone Fina Slams Darwin With Devastating Force, Worst Since Tracy (1974)

A powerful Category 4 tropical cyclone tears through the Northern Territory, leaving thousands without power and causing the region’s most severe destruction in decades.

Cyclone Fina, now recognized as the strongest storm to impact Darwin since Cyclone Tracy, unleashed destructive winds, widespread power outages, and structural damage across the Northern Territory. With gusts nearing 195 km/h, the fast-intensifying storm forced residents indoors as emergency teams began large-scale recovery operations.

Key Points

• Cyclone Fina is the most powerful storm to hit Darwin since Cyclone Tracy (1974).
• More than 19,500 residents were left without electricity and communications.
• The storm intensified from Category 3 to Category 4 within hours.
• 195 km/h winds caused severe structural damage across multiple suburbs.
• Royal Darwin Hospital suffered internal damage, but no injuries were reported.

Darwin (Star Struck Times) — A powerful weather emergency unfolded on Sunday as Tropical Cyclone Fina struck the Northern Territory, bringing widespread destruction, dangerous wind gusts and torrential rainfall. Authorities confirmed that more than 19,500 homes and businesses across Darwin and nearby coastal regions were left without electricity, phone lines or internet connectivity.

Storm experts labeled the system the “strongest after Tracy,” referencing the catastrophic cyclone that devastated Darwin in 1974. Initially making landfall as a Category 3 cyclone, Fina rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 system as it moved southwest toward the Kimberley coastline.

Overnight wind gusts reached 195 km/h, tearing off roofs, uprooting trees, and damaging infrastructure across multiple neighborhoods. Emergency services urged residents to remain inside their homes or move to designated cyclone shelters while assessments continued.

Long-time Darwin resident Kent Pedersen, who survived Cyclone Tracy, described the overnight destruction as unlike anything he had seen in decades. “It probably is the worst since Tracy,” he said. “It’s certainly caused a bit of damage.”

Inside the Royal Darwin Hospital, portions of the ceiling collapsed, though officials confirmed that no patients or staff were injured. Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said on Sunday afternoon that authorities were closely monitoring the situation as repairs and stabilisation efforts continued.

PowerWater reported extensive outages across coastal and inland communities and said crews were already assessing damage but would only carry out restoration work when conditions became safe.

Emergency authorities warned that additional rain and strong winds may persist as Cyclone Fina tracks further along the region.

FAQs

Q1: Was Cyclone Fina stronger than Cyclone Tracy?
No cyclone has surpassed Tracy’s historical impact, but Fina is the strongest storm to hit Darwin since 1974, causing significant damage and widespread outages.

Q2: Did Cyclone Fina directly hit Darwin?
Yes. Darwin and surrounding coastal areas experienced the brunt of the destructive winds, power outages, and heavy rainfall.

Q3: How many people lost power during Cyclone Fina?
More than 19,500 homes and businesses were impacted by power and communication failures.

Q4: What caused Fina to intensify so quickly?
Warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions allowed the cyclone to strengthen rapidly to a Category 4 system.

Q5: Is more severe weather expected?
Authorities warn that rain and strong winds may continue as the system moves toward the Kimberley region.

How prepared do you think Australian coastal cities are for future Category 4 cyclones? Share your thoughts below!