Tropical Cyclone Nathan has crossed the coast as a Category 1 system.

The cyclone made landfall between Goulburn Island and Maningrida around 6.30am.

The Region 2 Regional Controller said that the Bureau of Meteorology advises that a cyclone WARNING exists from Croker Island to Maningrida, including Goulburn Island, and west to Point Stuart including Gunbalanya and Jabiru.

A cyclone WATCH is in place from Croker Island to Milikapiti and Point Stuart to Cape Hotham.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises that at 6.30am the centre of Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Nathan was estimated to be 45 kilometres west northwest of Maningrida and 55 kilometres east southeast of Goulburn Island, moving south southwest at 6 kilometres per hour.  Gales, with gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour are occurring over coastal parts of northern Arnhem Land between Goulburn Island and Maningrida. Gales may extend further south to Point Stuart and Gunbalanya, including Jabiru later today, and also extend west to Cape Hotham and to Milikapiti and the Cobourg Peninsula if the system maintains its intensity.

The following schools are closed today:

• Milingimbi School
• Ramingining School
• Maningrida School
• Warruwi School
• Gunbalanya School
• Jabiru School
• Shepherdson College.

Shepherdson College had been scheduled to reopen today, however the school is experiencing a water outage, and will remain closed until this is resolved.

The Territory Controller advises that communities currently in shelter should remain until advised by local authorities that the ALL CLEAR has been given. Residents from Maningrida are advised to remain in shelter overnight although gales are easing.

DO NOT drive or move about outside, you will be advised by the Territory Controller when it is safe to do so.

The Territory Controller advises residents west of Goulburn Island to Point Stuart which includes the Communities of Croker Island, Gunbalanya and Jabiru, now is the time to make final preparations to your home shelter or identify which public emergency shelter or strong building to use.

You should now have your emergency kit complete and ready. DO NOT PROCEED TO PUBLIC EMERGENCY SHELTERS UNTIL ADVISED TO DO SO.

For residents under Watch from Point Stuart to Cape Hotham and Cape Don to Milikapiti, now is the time to finalise your emergency kit, clear your yards and balconies, and commence home shelter preparations.

For emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones call 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies call 000.

Further advice on cyclone emergencies is available at www.secureNT.nt.gov.au

For the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice go to www.bom.gov.au