Tropical Cyclone Marcus continues on a south west track and is expected to brush the east coast of Melville Island shortly.

At 5:00am TC Marcus was continuing on a south west track at eight kilometres an hour.

The cyclone is no longer expected to reach category two level until it passes into the Beagle Gulf.

NTES advises residents from Cape Hotham to Crocker Island, including Cobourg Peninsula and Melville Island to remain indoors and avoid travel at this time.

Coastal flooding can still occur in these locations.

Dundee Beach to Cape Hotham, including Darwin and Milikapiti, should prepare for deteriorating weather as the system moves through the Van Diemen Gulf.

Regional Controller Tony Deutrom said Darwin can expect rain and wind to increase from now as the cyclone tracks toward the city.

“We expect wind gusts near the centre of TC Marcus reach 120 km/h, with heavy rain and the possibility of trees to fall and structural damage to occur.

“Residents should take all precautions and only essential travel should be undertaken.

“Anyone considering moving to a public cyclone shelter should do so now.”

SecureNT has a list of shelters across the region and tips on how to prepare for a cyclone: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/shelter-locations/darwin
Anyone requiring Emergency Service assistance should call 132 500.

In any life-threatening situation call 000.

A Cyclone Warning now extends to Wadeye, and the warning from Croker Island to Goulburn Island has been cancelled.