NT: Debbie bears down on NT coast

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2003
NT: Debbie bears down on NT coast

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - Cyclone Debbie was bearing down on the Northern Territory coast
tonight, packing destructive winds up to 170kph.

The core of the category three cyclone reached land just east of Goulburn Island, which
is home to nearly 400 people, at 6.30pm (1900 AEDT), the Bureau of Meteorology said.

"The very destructive core of severe tropical cyclone Debbie is currently crossing
the coast just east of Goulburn Island," the Bureau's latest cyclone warning said.

"Destructive to very destructive winds with gusts to 170kph are expected within 60
kilometres of the centre."

Winds of up to 120kph buffeting coastal villages between Croker Island and Maningrida
are expected to push further south-west to Point Stuart and inland to Oenpelli later tonight.

The territory's coastline is mainly populated by Aboriginal and farming communities.

"Depending on the movement of the cyclone, gales may extend further south-west to Daly
Mouth, including the Tiwi Island and Darwin from late Sunday or early Monday," the Bureau
warned.

Tides were expected to be dangerously high overnight with heavy rainfall adding to
the risks of extensive flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded the cyclone earlier today as Debbie gained strength
over the Arafura Sea.

A cyclone watch was cancelled for Maningrida and Nhulunbuy, which missed out on the
worst of the storm when Debbie moved westward this afternoon.

AAP gmw/sco

KEYWORD: DEBBIE COAST

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