Cyclone set to batter Darwin as city shutting down

JASON WALLS A CATEGORY 1 cyclone is bearing down on Darwin this morning, with sustained galeforce winds and gusts of more than 100km/h expected.

Bureau of Meteorology acting NT manager Jude Scott said the driving winds of Cyc- lone Marcus were expected to hit this morning and last most of the day, accompanied by heavy rain.

Ms Scott said the wild weather would likely ease from this evening when the storm continued its journey west.

“We can expect that by the early evening that conditions will start to ease for the Darwin region as the (cyclone) then takes that westward track back over water again,” she said.

Meanwhile, emergency services pleaded with Darwinites to bunker down for the day.

NT Police regional controller Warren Jackson urged residents to cancel their plans.

“We need people to stay home, stay off the roads, don’t go near the coastal areas, consider changing your plans for fishing,” he said.

Mr Jackson said police had been in touch with organisers of St Patrick’s Day events and asked them to cancel.

“Even if the event’s not necessarily cancelled by the organiser I’d suggest it’s not the best idea to be travelling in this type of weather,” he said.

And for long time Top Enders who think they’ve seen it all, Mr Jackson said now was no time for complacency.

“We can’t be sure of what will happen, that’s the end re- sult, so we need to be prepared for anything,” he said.

In response, the NTFL has shifted today’s planned grand final to tomorrow and a number of city council facilities and the Darwin Motor Vehicle Registry are closed. The Palmerston council election has also been deferred to next Saturday.