Territorians cool off on New Year’s Day despite severe weather warning

A severe wind warning has been issued for the Top End, but it didn’t stop Territorians from heading outside to celebrate New Year’s Day. See the forecast for the rest of the week.

Several New Year’s Day celebrants were left soaked after strong winds made for big waves along the Nightcliff Foreshore.

Daquan Palmer and Emilio Moreen embraced the wet and wild weather with front row seats along the rocky edge.

Daquan Palmer and Emilio Moreen were visiting the Top End to spend time with family on New Year's Day. Picture: Sierra Haigh

The pair could be seen wiping water from their eyes and hair after salty waves crashed over them and the cliffs.

Mr Palmer said the windy weather was a nice change from the Red Centre heat.

The pair, both from Alice Springs, were visiting the Top End to spend the holiday season with family.

⚠️SEVERE WEATHER WARNING⚠️

Damaging surf is possible in parts of the #Daly, #Tiwi & #Arnhem districts over the weekend. Strong northwesterly monsoonal winds will drive unusually large waves onto exposed coastlines.

See details https://t.co/j0t52nboYnpic.twitter.com/q3MKaPdC21

— Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory (@BOM_NT) December 30, 2022

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds on Sunday morning.

The warning applies to Daly, Tiwi, Gregory, and some parts of Arnhem and the threat is not expected to ease until Monday afternoon.

The forecast for the rest of the week predicts a very high chance of showers every day as the vigorous monsoon flow remains in place over the Timor Sea until Monday.

Damaging wind gusts of up to 100km/h and damaging surf for parts of the Top End coast are expected, with Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Palmerston, Jabiru, Maningrida, Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga and Nauiyu likely to be affected.

The Northern Territory Emergency Services advices Territorians to secure any loose objects outside, keep an eye on pets, stay inside if the weather gets worse and be prepared for a power outage.

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