CYCLONE > FLOODS........

For anyone that is not currently in Darwin experiencing this wild weather first hand there has been a Tropical Low Pressure system over Darwin for the last few days and we have had an enormous amount of rain! Now it seems likely that this storm will move northwards and intensify into a Cyclone. A "Cyclone Watch" has been issued and we are already experiencing some pretty severe conditions as it is and as of 10pm tonight (Tuesday) they have closed some major arterial roads throughout Darwin City and much of the rural area is flooded.

I have to say that this kind of weather is not unusual at this time of year in Darwin. This IS the tropical north of Australia and severe weather of many kinds is simply a fact of life in this region.

>>> well... i wrote the above and left it for sometime and then re-checked the BOM website only to find that there is now a Cyclone Warning for Darwin...

"A Cyclone WARNING is now current for coastal areas from Daly River Mouth to Point Stuart, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. HEAVY RAIN may cause widespread flooding in the northern Darwin-Daly District.

The Territory Controller advises residents from Daly River Mouth to Point Stuart including the Tiwi Islands that now is the time to make final preparations to your home shelter or identify which public emergency shelter to use.

Residents of Darwin and the Rural Area are advised that if you DO NOT have accommodation constructed to the Building Code or are unsure of your present

accommodation you should decide which public emergency shelter to use. You should now have your emergency kit complete and ready. DO NOT PROCEED TO PUBLIC

EMERGENCY SHELTERS UNTIL ADVISED TO DO SO."

According to the mobile facebook updates i'm seeing i might be in the only area of town that still has power right now and this rain and wind is intense. My house ISN'T cyclone coded and i don't really have any emergency things prepared so it might be time to cut this short and get some things sorted!! hahaha
check http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/ or phone 1300 659 211 for official weather updates of course!