Tropical Cyclone Nathan is expected to make landfall within the next six hours on the northeast Arnhem coast.
Region 2 Regional Controller, Commander Bruce Porter, said that the Bureau of Meteorology advises that a cyclone WARNING is in place from Goulburn Island to Groote Eylandt including Maningrida, Milingimbi, Elcho Island, Gapuwiyak, Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt.
A cyclone WATCH is in place from Goulburn Island to Croker Island, including Goulburn Island.
Gales are now likely along the coast between Nhulunbuy and Cape Shield.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan is currently a Category 2 system and is estimated to be 80 kilometres south southeast of Nhulunbuy and 140 kilometres northeast of Alyangula moving west northwest at 14 kilometres per hour.
Communities under WARNING
Commander Porter said that conditions from Groote Eylandt to Nhulunbuy ARE NOW AT A DANGEROUS LEVEL residence are advised to take shelter NOW. DO NOT drive or move about outside, you will be advised by the Territory Controller when it is safe to do so.
Public Shelters in Nhulunbuy are open at Gove Hospital and Yirrkala-Laynhapuy Homelands Centre, on Groote Eylandt at Angurugu and Umbakumba and at Milyakburra (Bickerton Island) for residents whose homes are not constructed to building code or who are unsure of their present accommodation.
“Residents from Maningrida to Croker Island, including Goulburn Island, are advised that now is the time to make final preparations to your home shelter or identify which public emergency shelter or strong building to use.
Public Shelters on Elcho Island at Galiwinku and at the community of Mapurru are under preparation to be opened this morning.
“You should now have your emergency kit complete and ready. DO NOT PROCEED TO PUBLIC EMERGENCY SHELTERS UNTIL ADVISED TO DO SO.
“Private Sector businesses and organisations still open at this time are strongly advised to consider securing and closing their premises. Employers are reminded of their Duty of Care to ensure the safety of any employees still at work.
Communities under WATCH
“For those communities under cyclone WATCH, residents from Gapuwiyak to Maningrida, including Elcho Island and Milingimbi, now is the time to put together your emergency kit, clear your yards and commence home shelter preparations. Fill any water containers you may have to ensure that you have at least three litres of water per person per day for at least 72 hours and fill your vehicles' fuel tanks.
“If you do not have accommodation constructed to the building code or are unsure of your present accommodation you should determine NOW where to shelter. This may include arranging to shelter with family, friends, or in public emergency shelters or appropriately strong buildings that are available in your community.
“Please ensure that friends, family and neighbours have heard and understood this message, particularly new arrivals to the area.
“Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings,” said Commander Porter.
General
Commander Porter said that the Power and Water Corporation advises that building occupants should fill bath tubs and water containers with water before the cyclone arrives. Do not use chemical or fuel containers to store drinking water. After the cyclone has passed as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that tap water used for drinking and oral hygiene be boiled first and allowed to cool.
Power stations in the communities will continue to operate as long as it is safe to do so.
After a cyclone, downed power lines might be live and lethal. Stay away and stay safe.
After a cyclone you should flush toilets with a bucket to reduce the likelihood of blockages.
For the latest Bureau of Meteorology Advice go to: www.bom.gov.au
Further information can be found about how to prepare can be found at www.secureNT.nt.gov.au
