Tropical Cyclone Narelle has weakened to a category 2 storm after making landfall in far north Queensland on Friday, bringing destructive winds, downed trees, and roof damage. The Bureau of Meteorology downgraded the system from a high-end category 4 to category 2 by 4pm local time, with sustained winds near the centre of 100 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h.
The cyclone crossed the Cape York peninsula at 7am on Friday as a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 195 km/h, just 5 km/h short of category 5. It moved west between Lockhart River and Coen, causing damage but avoiding major population centres. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the relatively limited damage as 'an incredibly good news story'.
Narelle is expected to re-intensify over the Gulf of Carpentaria before making a second landfall late Saturday or early Sunday near the Anindilyakwa island group on the Northern Territory's east coast. The system is then forecast to track west over already-saturated areas around Katherine, south of Darwin, on Sunday.
Authorities warned of combined threats from strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge. The Bureau of Meteorology said Narelle could bring 100-200mm of rain to parts of the Top End, potentially causing renewed major flooding in areas including Katherine and the Daly River. Emergency warnings have been issued for Lockhart River, Port Stewart, and Coen.
Climate experts noted that record-high sea surface temperatures in the Coral Sea, linked to global heating, likely fuelled Narelle's intensity. Higher ocean temperatures provide more energy for cyclones, increasing their strength and rainfall potential.
