Those staying told to brace for Trevor

EVACUATIONS of communities in the path of a cyclone barrelling down on the Northern Territory have ceased as authorities urge remaining residents to prepare for flooding and destructive winds.

Cyclone Trevor was expected to become a category four tropical cyclone pushing galeforce winds, rain and tidal surges 300km out from its core last night, the Bureau Meteorology said.

However, meteorologist Todd Smith warned Trevor had made some unusual moves and the system could change direction or surge to category five.

“Regardless of whether it’s category five or category four it’s still a very dangerous system,” Mr Smith said in Darwin yesterday. of

Head of NT Emergency Services Jason Collins said anyone in Trevor’s path needed to have supplies to last at least three days, take shelter and stay away from waterways.

“Turn around, don’t drown, we may not be there to save you,” Mr Collins said.

In Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Veronica remains a category four system as it travels closer to the northern coast but may temporarily intensify to a category five.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the Pilbara region is likely to be impacted from late today and tomorrow.

“While the cyclone may weaken before reaching the coast, a severe coastal impact is likely,” it said. Veronica is estimated to be 355km northwest of Port Hedland and moving slowly.