Skip to content

City of Darwin cyclone guide

The City of Darwin says it is one of a number of organisations that plan, prepare, respond and recover when a tropical cyclone threatens Darwin. Official warnings come from the Bureau of Meteorology and the NT Government through SecureNT, and the NT Emergency Service handles floods, storms and cyclones on 132 500. The Council runs an Emergency Operations Centre for Council matters after a cyclone has passed. Suburbs named on council pages include Nightcliff, Casuarina, Lyons and Malak.

Checked on October 10, 2026

Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from City of Darwin. In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

What to know in City of Darwin

  • The City says Cyclone Fina intensified into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone on 22 November 2025 as it crossed the Greater Darwin region. It says power outages affected around 19,000 properties and that City recovery work was completed on 30 April 2026.
  • The City says Cyclone Marcus in 2018 was a Category 2 system that brought gale force winds, widespread tree damage and power outages across Darwin.
  • The City says its Emergency Operations Centre will be operational only when the cyclone threat has passed, an all clear has been given, and it is safe for Council staff to return to work.

Emergency and information numbers

Service Number Notes
Emergency 000 Police, fire, and ambulance. Call only when someone's life or property is in danger.
City of Darwin +61-8-8930-0300 Council line for Council roads, stormwater drains, Council buildings, public pools, playgrounds, domestic waste and stray animals. Not for emergencies.
City of Darwin, after hours +61-8-8930-0900 After hours line shown on the City home page and emergency services page. The disaster and emergency page shows 08 8989 2843 instead, so use 000 in an emergency.
City of Darwin Emergency Operations Centre +61-8-8980-3616 The City says this line works only after the cyclone threat has passed and an all clear is given.
NT Emergency Service help in floods, storms and cyclones 132-500 Also written 13 25 00. The City describes it as 24 hour assistance. In emergencies always dial 000.
NT Emergency Service, northern region +61-8-8922-3630 General enquiries line.
Power and Water Emergency Hotline 1800-245-090 Power, water and sewerage emergencies.

Official alerts and information

  • SecureNT: The NT Government emergency information site, named by the City for official cyclone warnings. The site may not open for some automated tools. Website.
  • Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory warnings: Weather and tropical cyclone warnings for the Northern Territory. Website.
  • City of Darwin cyclone page: How the City prepares for and recovers from cyclones, and its Emergency Operations Centre. Website.

Evacuation centers

Open only when announced

Evacuation centers open only when officials announce them, and not every center opens for every storm. Check the official list of open centers before you leave home. Bring your own bedding, food, water, and medicines.

The City of Darwin does not publish a shelter list on the pages checked. The Northern Territory Government describes the Territory emergency shelters and lists them on SecureNT. A shelter is open only when officials announce it. Check SecureNT and the NT Emergency Service.

Sources

Checked on October 10, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.