Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, one of the most destructive storms to hit the north Queensland coast in recent memory, made landfall on Friday morning. Climate experts have linked the storm's intensity to global heating, which has raised ocean temperatures in the region.
The waters off far north Queensland have experienced their hottest months on record. Ocean temperatures are a key factor in determining a cyclone's strength, and the unusually warm waters are believed to have fuelled Narelle's development.
The storm was forecast to bring devastating winds and heavy rainfall to coastal communities. Authorities warned residents to prepare for potential damage and flooding.
Scientists stress that while individual storms cannot be directly attributed to climate change, the conditions that enable severe cyclones are becoming more common due to global heating.
