Cyclone Narelle Approaches Northern Territory After Hitting Queensland
Communities in remote Northern Territory towns are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Narelle as it barrels across the coast, following its overnight strike on parts of Queensland. The cyclone has been downgraded from a category four to a two as it moves through the Gulf of Carpentaria, with expectations to impact the eastern Top End late on Saturday.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings to residents from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, including areas such as Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, and Gapuwiyak. Forecasters indicate that Narelle will strengthen as it approaches, bringing very destructive winds gusting up to 195km/h in some regions into Sunday. Heavy rainfall is also predicted, raising concerns about flash flooding that could exacerbate existing conditions.
Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the bureau, highlighted key risks: 'There are critical watch points for residents in the Cape York Peninsula today, particularly the rivers, which are still raging with water levels much higher than usual. This is spilling over banks and across roads, likely isolating communities in far north Queensland and hindering damage assessment, access to remote locations, and supply replenishment.'
Flood Recovery Disrupted in Katherine
In the outback town of Katherine, residents face the threat of a second round of major flooding, just as a significant clean-up effort had gained momentum following the worst floods in nearly 30 years earlier in March. Sandbags are being stacked again as preparations intensify.
Mayor Joanna Holden reported that the town's population of 10,000 is taking the forecast seriously, with sandbagging crews activated from Thursday. Many properties that had been cleaned out after previous flooding are now on hold, with fears that buildings could flood again. Holden expressed concern about volunteer exhaustion after two weeks of recovery efforts, stating, 'To have to go back again and potentially clean out the same places and witness the same devastation takes its toll.'
Chris Monk, manager of Katherine's Pine Tree Motel, noted numerous booking cancellations and paused repair efforts due to the new flooding threat. His hotel experienced water damage in 10 rooms, and he remarked, 'There's no point putting in dehumidifiers only for them to get wet again. I think everybody is prepared to go through it again; it's just one of those things we have to face.'
Evacuations and Community Impact
On the Gulf of Carpentaria coast, the defence force has evacuated almost 150 people from Numbulwar, with hundreds more scheduled to be flown out as Narelle approaches. Approximately 500 individuals have sought refuge in a Darwin high school gymnasium, making it their temporary home as the cyclone impacts their community.
Residents in the cyclone's path are urged to stay indoors and await the storm's passage, amid reports of lost roofs and fallen trees in the small township of Coen. Downpours are expected to persist in the far north Queensland region for up to 48 hours, compounding the challenges faced by affected areas.
The National Weather Forecast continues to monitor Tropical Cyclone Narelle as it tracks over the Top End, with updates available through official channels and the BOM Weather app. The situation remains fluid, with authorities emphasizing preparedness and safety measures for all at-risk communities.
