Tropical Cyclone Narelle Threatens Eastern Top End with Destructive Winds and Life-Threatening Floods

Alert Details

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 26 for Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Currently a Category 2 system, Narelle is moving west at 20 kilometres per hour through the Gulf of Carpentaria. The alert was issued at 4:31 am ACST on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Affected Areas

• Warning Zone: Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, including Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, and Gapuwiyak.
• Watch Zone: Extending west to include Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected zones should prepare for life-threatening weather conditions. The Bureau warns of dangerous flash flooding and destructive winds. Residents should monitor local weather updates and emergency broadcasts as the cyclone is forecast to strengthen into a severe tropical cyclone before crossing the coast.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speeds: Very destructive gusts up to 195 km/h are forecast between Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt. Destructive gusts of 160 km/h and gales with damaging gusts to 120 km/h are expected across the broader warning area.
• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall likely to cause flash flooding. Locally intense rainfall leading to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is expected between Numbulwar and Birany Birany.
• Storm Surge and Tides: A potentially dangerous storm tide is possible between Alyangula and Port Roper. Higher than normal tides and large waves may produce minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
• Current Intensity: Sustained winds near the centre of 110 km/h with gusts to 155 km/h.

Timeline

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to impact the eastern Top End late Saturday. Landfall is forecast for 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 on Sunday and Monday.