Thousands in Australia’s Northern Territory are without power today after Tropical Cyclone Vina brought destructive winds to the region overnight, including the territory’s capital, Darwin. The category three cyclone packed winds reaching speeds of up to 205 kilometers per hour as it moved away from Darwin after passing over the city late Saturday as a ‘severe tropical cyclone,’ according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lea Finocchiaro stated that approximately 19,000 homes and businesses are experiencing power outages. Efforts are underway to restore electricity. Cyclone Vina also caused property damage and flooded roadways, but thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Darwin International Airport, which was closed Saturday as a precautionary measure, is working to resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
Category three tropical cyclones, two levels below the highest threat rating, typically cause damage to buildings, crops, and trees, as well as widespread power outages, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
While the cyclone has moved away from the Northern Territory, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue throughout Sunday. Forecasters predict that the cyclone will gradually weaken in the coming days and is not expected to make landfall.
Residents across the Northern Territory are emerging to clean up debris, including fallen trees and downed traffic signs, left in the wake of the storm’s powerful winds.
Researchers have warned that climate change will exacerbate the risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and cyclones.
