Tropical Cyclone Narelle: Category 2 Storm Threatens Eastern Top End with Destructive Winds

Alert Details

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 28 for Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Currently a Category 2 system, Narelle is moving westwards through the Gulf of Carpentaria and is expected to impact the eastern Top End. The alert is classified as a major warning with critical severity.

Affected Areas

The warning zone encompasses the region from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur. This includes the communities of Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, and Gapuwiyak. The warning also extends west to include Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr. Specific focus for the most severe conditions is placed on the area between Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning zone should prepare for life-threatening conditions. Transmitters in the area between Birany Birany and Numbulwar are authorized to use the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). Residents should monitor local conditions, prepare for dangerous flash flooding, and stay clear of low-lying coastal areas subject to higher tides and large waves.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speeds: Sustained winds near the center are 110 km/h with gusts to 155 km/h. Very destructive wind gusts up to 185 km/h are forecast for coastal areas between Birany Birany and Numbulwar. Gales with damaging gusts to 120 km/h may extend to Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr.
• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall likely to cause flash flooding. Locally intense rainfall is expected between Numbulwar and Birany Birany, creating dangerous and life-threatening flash flood conditions.
• Coastal Hazards: Tides are expected to be higher than normal between Nhulunbuy and Port McArthur. Large waves may produce minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

Timeline

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is moving west at 19 km/h. It is forecast to cross the eastern Top End coast overnight Saturday or early Sunday morning, most likely between Birany Birany and Numbulwar. The system is expected to weaken as it moves inland across the Top End throughout Sunday and Monday, March 23.