Regional Controller, Commander Bruce Porter advises residents in Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining to take shelter now. Residents in Galiwinku should remain in their shelters until advised by the Territory Controller.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises destructive winds at Galiwinku will continue to increase over the next few hours as TC Lam approaches and continues to intensify.

TC Lam is estimated to be 20 kilometres north of Galiwinku and 140 kilometres west northwest of Nhulunbuy. Severe Tropical Cyclone Lam is continuing to track southwest, parallel to the Wessel Islands. The cyclone may reach Category 4 intensity before making landfall on the mainland coast between Milingimbi and Gapuwiyak overnight tonight or early Friday morning. Severe Tropical Cyclone Lam is then expected to weaken during Friday as it moves inland over Arnhem Land.

Commander Bruce Porter advises a Cyclone WARNING is in place for Goulburn Island to Numbulwar, including Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt and adjacent inland areas to Bulman. A Cyclone WATCH continues from Numbulwar to Port Roper and adjacent inland areas.

“Residents in areas currently under cyclone WATCH or WARNING are asked to closely consider advice from the Bureau and Emergency Services. 

“For areas under WARNING, this means your emergency plan should be activated.

“For communities under WATCH, this means ensuring you’ve got the appropriate plans in place and have your emergency kit ready.

“Residents staying at home are urged to ensure they have ample supplies of water stored. It is expected that power to the communities will be cut during the cyclone, which will affect the supply of water. Please ensure you fill your bathtubs and clean storage containers with water. After services are restored, as a precaution please boil your water and let it cool before drinking,”

“Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings.”