An emergency warning has been issued for parts of the Northern Territory as Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensifies, bringing very destructive winds gusting up to 195km/h and the risk of major flooding. The highest-level warning extends from Nhulunbuy to Port MacArthur, including communities such as Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula and Gapuwiyak.
The Northern Territory fire and emergency services commissioner, Andrew Warton, urged residents sheltering at home to move to the smallest, strongest room, such as a bathroom, and warned against venturing outside during the storm. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast the cyclone to make landfall early Sunday as a category 3 system, after being downgraded from category 4.
Heavy rainfall between 150mm and 200mm daily is expected, with potential peaks of 300mm, leading to possible flash flooding. Major flooding is anticipated for the Katherine River, Daly River, Waterhouse and Adelaide River catchments, with the Katherine mayor expressing concern about volunteer fatigue after recent flooding.
The Australian Defence Force has evacuated nearly 150 people from Numbulwar, with hundreds more to follow. Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said a field hospital may be deployed to Katherine, and disaster recovery payments have been activated for affected areas, including Daly River and Lansdowne.
In Katherine, 4,000 sandbags and 110 tonnes of sand have been distributed in preparation for flooding. The Northern Territory Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, warned of moderate to major flood levels by Monday, noting the community is still recovering from last week's flood. Concerns have also been raised about the quality of care in evacuation centres.
