Cyclone Fina impacted the Top End of Australia on November 23, 2025. Wurrumiyanga on the Tiwi Islands experienced the worst, but Darwin also faced damage. Warnings have been reduced, but debris and downed powerlines remain hazards. Around 19,500 homes and businesses lost power, and restoration efforts are underway. Principals will assess schools for reopening. While some areas, like Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi, were less affected, Wurrumiyanga faces potentially longer power outages. Despite the disruption, the community is showing resilience, with neighbors helping with cleanup and fishing stores reopening. Fina intensified to a Category 4 cyclone before weakening.

Highlights

Here are some highlights from the article:

• Cyclone Fina: Top End residents faced intense conditions, resulting in damage.
• Power Outages: Around 19,500 homes and businesses lost power.
• Impact: Wurrumiyanga on Tiwi Islands was hit hardest. There is debris, fallen trees and downed powerlines.
• Community: Despite damage, the community is banding together.
• Category 4: Cyclone Fina intensified to Category 4 before weakening.

Cyclone Fina Aftermath: A Community United

Latest Updates and Recovery Efforts

As the sun rises over the Top End on Sunday, November 23, 2025, communities are emerging from a tense 36 hours spent bracing for and weathering the impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina. While warnings have been reduced, the aftermath paints a picture of fallen trees, downed powerlines, and lingering anxieties.

• Cyclone Fina reached Category 4 strength, with sustained winds near the center reaching 165 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 230 kmph.
• A shift in the wind spared Darwin from the worst impact, however other regions felt it.

"This cyclone saw a territory that was united and prepared for what was to come, and as a result we’ve seen largely minimal impact and no injuries," says Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.

Immediate Impacts and Recovery Steps

Despite the collective sigh of relief that the worst has passed, the road to recovery has only just begun. The immediate focus is on restoring essential services and ensuring public safety.

Key Updates:

• Power Outages: A staggering 19,500 homes and businesses are without power, with restoration efforts underway. Power and Water Corporation is working to assess the damage, but warned that restoring power at schools would be the priority.
• Infrastructure Damage: Significant debris, fallen trees, and downed powerlines pose ongoing hazards.
• School Closures: Principals are assessing school conditions, with decisions about reopening to be communicated to parents this afternoon. It has been reported that Wurrumiyanga is likely to have longer periods of power outages.
• Tiwi Islands Hardest Hit: Wurrumiyanga is reported to have "experienced the greatest brunt" of Cyclone Fina, suffering damage to infrastructure, particularly the power grid. It could be "some days" before power is fully restored on the Tiwi Islands.

Heartwarming Stories Amidst the Storm

Amidst the destruction, stories of resilience and community spirit are emerging.

• "Fishing is a Religion": True to Territory spirit, fishing shops in Darwin have reopened, catering to those eager to cast a line as soon as the weather clears.
• Cyclone Babies: On a Milikapiti farm, Craig Bait welcomed the birth of 30 to 40 chicks during the cyclone.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The NT Chief Minister has recognized the spirit of togetherness and cooperation as neighbours are coming out to help neighbours.

Staying Informed and Safe

The coming hours and days will be crucial as communities navigate the recovery process. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest information and heed the advice of authorities.

Key Takeaways and Advice:

• Exercise caution due to debris and powerlines
• Report dangerous situations, such as fallen powerlines, to Power and Water Corporation on 1800 245 090.
• Visit the ABC News website or tune in to your local ABC Radio station for ongoing updates.

"There’s always room for community spirit, and people just need to really assess the risk," said NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro. "We don’t need any heroics – we have professionals, who are our heroes, and they’re out there doing the really tough stuff."

Want to help your community get back on its feet? Contact your local emergency services or community organizations to see how you can lend a hand.

FAQ

Okay, here are 8 FAQs based on the provided text. I focused on questions that could be commonly asked following this cyclone event.

1. How can I stay up to date with the latest information?

(Implied from the first blog post, though not explicitly answered)

2. Where can I find the latest updates on the Cyclone Fina situation?

(Answer derived from "We’ll wrap up our coverage here" post): You can keep up with the latest on the ABC News website and listen to your local ABC Radio Station.

3. Is it safe to go outside now?

(Answer derived from several posts, particularly "Cyclone damage attracts a crowd" and "Chief minister thanks Territorians for heeding advice"): Warnings have been reduced but there is still significant debris, trees down, and powerlines. Territorians who need to be out and about for restocking, cleanup or other essential reasons are encouraged to do so safely. Avoid heroics and allow emergency services space to do their work.

4. When will the power be restored?

(Answer derived from "Almost 20,000 homes and businesses lost power during TC Fina" and "Repair crews are hard at work!"): Almost 20,000 homes and businesses lost power. Crews are working to restore it as soon as possible. Power and Water will be communicating estimated restoration times this afternoon. Some areas could take days. Contact Power and Water at 1800 245 090 to report dangerous situations like fallen powerlines.

5. Will schools be open tomorrow?

(Answer derived from "Whether schools will reopen tomorrow to be decided ‘school by school’"): Principals have been asked to assess their schools and decide "school by school" whether they can reopen tomorrow. Decisions will be communicated to parents this afternoon.

6. What areas were most affected by the cyclone?

(Answer derived from "Tiwi Islands’ Wurrumiyanga ‘experienced the brunt’ of Cyclone Fina"): While Darwin and surrounds were hard hit, Wurrumiyanga on the Tiwi Islands "experienced the greatest brunt". Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi were not affected as much as Wurrumiyanga.

7. Where can I view the Chief Minister’s press conference?

(Answer derived from "In case you missed it: Chief Minister’s press conference"): You can watch the ABC livestream of the press conference [at a specific link not provided, but implied to be available].

8. What should I do if I see a fallen powerline?

(Answer derived from "Repair crews are hard at work!"): Please stay clear of power lines and fallen trees. To report a dangerous situation, such as a fallen powerline, call Power and Water on 1800 245 090.