Tropical Cyclone Nathan has been downgraded to a category one system and taken a west southwest track as it heads towards the coast.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Goulburn Island and Maningrida within the next six hours.

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

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

The Bureau of Meteorology advises that at 3.30am the centre of Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Nathan was estimated to be 55 kilometres east of Goulburn Island and 60 kilometres north northwest of Maningrida, moving west southwest at 4 kilometres per hour.  The cyclone may weaken further if it crosses the coast.  There is a possibility that if the centre tracks closer to the coast along the Van Diemen Gulf, or moves over the Van Diemen Gulf, the system may maintain its intensity.

The following schools will be closed today:

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

The Territory Controller advises that communities currently in shelter should remain until advised by local authorities that the ALL CLEAR has been given. This includes communities of Maningrida and outstations to the east of Goulburn Island.

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