The Bureau of Meteorology has advised Tropical Cyclone Marcus is expected to intensify to a Category 2 system before it reaches Croker Island tonight around 6:30pm.

It’s expected Tropical Cyclone Marcus will lessen to a high Category 1 system as it passes through the Van Diemen Gulf before it makes landfall in Darwin.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning is in place for Maningrida to the Daly River mouth, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. A Watch zone is in place from the Daly River Mouth to the Mitchell Plateau.

A storm tide is expected between Milikapiti is expected and Maningrida as the cyclone crosses the coast tonight, bringing with it higher than normal tides, damaging waves and dangerous flooding tonight and into Saturday morning.

“The dangerous conditions that we’re expecting in the coming hours reinforce our message that it’s not safe for people to be around beaches and immediate coastal areas during this weather event,” Regional Controller Warren Jackson said.

“Some areas, particularly Coburg Peninsula, will feel the effects of this cyclone in the coming hours, while Darwin is predicted to experience gales from dawn tomorrow.

“We are opening all cyclone shelters from 7:00pm tonight and are advising people to consider whether this needs to be part of their cyclone plan.”

Actions for affected areas:

• Residents at Coburg Peninsula including Croker Island should stay indoors and avoid travelling as gales currently affect the area
• People in Milikapiti to Stuart Point to Maningrida should prepare to start moving indoors and taking shelter as gales and heavy rain impact the region
• Point Stuart to Daly River Mouth (including Darwin and Milikapiti to Cape Fourcroy) is expecting wet and windy conditions arriving overnight. Home preparations should be finalised, including ensuring enough food and water is available over the weekend
• For Watch zones – complete your cyclone plans and preparations, including where you will shelter. If you need to travel to shelter, leave while it is safe to do so.

“Food will not be provided at shelters, and some don’t allow pets. People will need to include this in their planning,” Regional Controller Jackson said.

“It’s incredibly important that people aren’t travelling in adverse weather conditions as Tropical Cyclone Marcus heads their way.

“We don’t want to put staff in harm’s way as they try and enforce road closures or stage rescues.”

The Mandorah Ferry will cease operating after 7:00pm tonight.

Buses around Darwin will continue to run to schedule tonight, but services may not resume tomorrow morning, depending on weather conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology is providing regular updates on Tropical Cyclone Marcus, including other associated weather warnings at: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings

More information is also available at SecureNT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones