Emergency warnings are in place in WA as Cyclone Fina moves towards the northeast Kimberley coast, leaving behind a trail of damage in Darwin and surrounding areas.

A Bureau of Meteorology update about 9.30am today (WA time) said the “very destructive core” of Fina is forecast to cross the coast between King George River Mouth and Berkeley River Mouth in the next couple of hours.

“Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina remains at category 4 intensity as it begins to impact the northeast Kimberley coast,” the update said.

“Very destructive wind gusts to 185km/h may develop over the coastal areas between King George River Mouth and Berkeley River Mouth this afternoon as Fina approaches the coast.”

A track map shows the cyclone is expected to ease to category 3 by the time it crosses the coast.

“Heavy to locally intense rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is developing about the northeast Kimberley coast and is expected to then ease later on Tuesday,” the bureau said.

WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services has a warning in place for Cambridge to north of Faraway Bay.

“There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” the warning issued this morning said.

“Shelter indoors now. It is too late to leave. Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.”

Darwin and other affected areas have started to clean up and assess the damage caused by Fina, which arrived as a category 3 storm over the weekend. 

Media reports say nearly 19,500 homes and businesses were without power for about 24 hours.

Insurers are still assessing the claims impact of Fina.

The TIO, which is owned by Allianz, says it has been closely monitoring the cyclone.

"While claims volumes are currently low, with just 71 received by 10.30am today, we expect this number to rise as power is restored to the region," a spokesperson said.

"TIO and Allianz have initiated a comprehensive response plan to assist our customers."
 
The TIO Disaster and Recovery team will be stationed at The Casuarina All Sports Club (269 Trower Road, Casurina, Darwin) from tomorrow to Saturday. 

"TIO and Allianz have recently introduced a new agentic AI solution to reduce the processing time for food spoilage claims from days to hours, while maintaining human oversight," the spokesperson said.

The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation declared the beginning of the cyclone event at 11am on November 19.