Warruwi up in the air as Nathan bears down

Residents of Warruwi on South Goulburn Island are again being flown to Darwin this morning, as the category 2 Tropical Cyclone Nathan bears down on the island community. 
The Bureau of Meteorology reports the cyclone is expected to intensify in the Arafura Sea before making landfall as a category 3 some time on Tuesday. 

West Arnhem Regional Council Community Services Manager Kupa Teao said Police put out a call to residents shortly before 4am to assemble at the Recreation Hall for the emergency airlift to Darwin.

"At approximately 5am the planes started arriving to evacuated everyone off the Island," Mr Teao said.

South Goulburn Island was evacuated on 19 February during Cyclone Lam, which crossed the Arnhem Land coast as a category 4 at Ramingining, 80km east of Maningrida.
At that time, the NT Government airlifted 430 people from the island, with 11 men choosing to remain on the ground in in their community.

At 5 o'clock this morning Nathan was a category 2 storm with gusts reaching 150km/h. It is about 55km northwest of Galiwinku and 55km northeast of Milingimbi, the two remote Aboriginal communities hardest hit by Cyclone Lam in February.

A cyclone warning remains in place from Croker Island to Nhulunbuy, including Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Ramingining, Milingimbi, Elcho Island, and Gapuwiyak. The public shelter has opened at the latter three communities.

A cyclone watch is in place from Croker Island to Cape Don and Cape Hotham to Gunbalanya.

A storm tide is expected along the northern Arnhem Land coast, with tides likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide with damaging waves and dangerous flooding.
Affected communities should remain in shelters until the all clear is given, and not drive or go outside.