Cyclone Nathan hits NT coast as state of emergency declared on Goulburn Island
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Version 0 of 1. Tropical cyclone Nathan has crossed the Northern Territory coast as a category one cyclone. It hit the coast about 300km east of Darwin between Goulburn Island and Maningrida about 6.30am on Tuesday. A state of emergency has been declared on Goulburn Island, and all 427 residents were flown to Darwin on Monday on 51 flights before gale-force winds picked up. At 6.30am, the Bureau of Meteorology said Nathan was about 45km east-south-east of Goulburn Island and 45km west-north-west of Maningrida, moving south-south-west at 6km/h. Winds near the centre of Nathan are 75km/h with gusts to 100km/h. “Gales, with gusts up to 100km/h, are occurring over coastal parts of northern Arnhem Land between Goulburn Island and Maningrida,” the bureau said. “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.” Heavy rainfall over northern Arnhem Land may extend to the Daly district as the storm moves west. A storm tide with damaging waves and dangerous flooding is expected between Goulburn Island and Maningrida. The bureau said that after the storm crossed the coast it was unclear in what direction it would head, but the most likely track would be along the Van Diemen Gulf coast. “But there is still a chance it will move over the Van Diemen Gulf waters and maintain cyclone strength, and so a cyclone watch is in place for the eastern part of Melville Island,” the weather bureau added. Destructive winds, gales, heavy rainfall and a storm tide are all possible for areas forecast to be impacted by Nathan. |