Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle Threatens Far North Queensland Coast

Alert Details

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Warning (IDQ65002) for Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (34U). The system has intensified into a Category 5 cyclone as of 10:33 am AEST on Thursday, March 19, 2026. A severe impact to Far North Queensland is considered very likely.

Affected Areas

• Warning Zone: Lockhart River to Cape Tribulation, including the communities of Coen and Cooktown.
• Watch Zone: Western Cape York Peninsula between Mapoon and Pormpuraaw, including Weipa and Aurukun.
• Cancelled Zones: The alert for Kowanyama has been cancelled.

Expected Conditions

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is currently a Category 5 system, located approximately 355 kilometres northeast of Cooktown and 505 kilometres east of Coen.

• Wind Intensity: Sustained winds near the centre are 205 kilometres per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 285 kilometres per hour.
• Very Destructive Winds: Gusts in excess of 250 km/h are possible near the centre of the cyclone as it crosses the coast and moves inland.
• Destructive Winds: Gusts up to 160 km/h are likely to develop between Lockhart River and Cape Flattery starting Thursday night.

Timeline

The cyclone is currently moving west-southwest at 26 kilometres per hour. It is forecast to make landfall between Lockhart River and Cape Melville on Friday morning. Throughout Friday, the system will cross the Cape York Peninsula while weakening. Over the weekend, Narelle is expected to move across the Gulf of Carpentaria and restrengthen into a severe tropical cyclone before impacting the Northern Territory.

What You Should Do

Residents in the Warning Zone should prepare for imminent severe weather and very destructive winds. Those in the Watch Zone should monitor conditions as gales are expected within 24 to 48 hours. This warning is designed for land-based communities; mariners are advised to consult specific coastal waters and high seas warnings.