SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST FROM DARWIN AIRPORT
Tropical Cyclone Marcus has moved away from Darwin and is located over the Cox Peninsula, but conditions still remain severe over the city and surrounds.
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The NT’s capital and southern parts of the Tiwis Islands are still in the cyclone warning zone, but the warning for Cape Hotham to Point Stuart and the northern Tiwis has been cancelled.
Now located about 30km southwest of Darwin and 30km east-northeast of Dundee Beach, the storm is still officially a Category 2 cyclone.
Darwin was battered by 130km/h an hour winds and heavy rain as Tropical Cyclone Marcus hit the city, bringing down trees and power lines and shutting down the local water supply in parts.
Residents were told to stay inside.
Tropical Cyclone Marcus was around 11km southwest of Darwin shortly before midday Saturday and was heading southwest at about 20km, but its winds were continuing to lash the Northern Territory Capital.
Power is out in multiple areas, while the Power and Water Corporation says the storm has also affected the city's water supply and urged residents to boil water for the time-being.
A warning zone is in place from Point Stuart to Mitchell Plateau, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, with authorities warning of 130km/h wind gusts and falls of up to 150mm.
Regional Controller Warren Jackson said the storm had already brought down a number of trees and power was out to some properties.
Authorities have also warned heavy rain and tidal surges could bring flooding to some areas.
"We're experiencing gale-force winds in the Darwin region. That is going to intensify throughout the day and probably into the evening," Regional Controller Warren Jackson said.
"We're telling everybody they need to be in shelter, out of the weather, off the roads - so the public is safe."
Flights in and out of Darwin have been cancelled and businesses have been told to close their doors, though some had opened early on Saturday to let customers purchase supplies.
Emergency services have told residents to stay inside until the storm passes and a number of shelters have been opened across the city.
Marcus is expected to move towards the Timor Sea later this evening before approaching the Kimberley coast as a category two storm.
As Marcus approached on Friday, the AFL Northern Territory moved its grand final series in Darwin from Saturday to Sunday.
The Palmerston Council election scheduled for Saturday has also been postponed to next weekend.
Australian Associated Press
