General News
19 March, 2026
Cyclone Narelle strengthens to category five
SEVERE Tropical Cyclone Narelle has intensified to a category five system and is expected to cross the Far North Queensland coast on Friday morning, 20 March.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the cyclone strengthened rapidly overnight and is currently about 500 kilometres east-northeast of Cooktown, moving west towards the coast.
A coastal crossing is forecast between Lockhart River and Cape Melville, with the system expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions.
Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said damaging conditions would intensify as the system approaches.
“We could see peak very destructive wind gusts in excess of 230 kilometres an hour, close to the core of the system, with broader areas of destructive wind gusts up to 160 kilometres an hour between Lockhart River and Cooktown,” she said.
A tropical cyclone warning is current for coastal areas between Lockhart River and Cape Tribulation, with gale force winds expected to develop through Thursday and become strongest from tonight.
“Heavy to intense rainfall will also build in this tropical cyclone warning area through today, more likely from tonight, continuing into Friday morning and flash flooding will become an increasing concern as the cyclone draws near,” Johnson said.
Residents are also being urged to clear drains and gutters ahead of the cyclone, with plumbing experts warning blocked drainage could significantly increase the risk of flooding.
Premier David Crisafulli has warned that the window to prepare is closing as the system approaches the coast.
Police are also urging Far North Queensland residents to prepare now, as Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall between Cooktown and Lockhart River on Friday 20 March.
Officers are engaging with communities, including Lockhart River, Coen, Daintree and Cooktown, to ensure residents are prepared, while boat owners in northern Cape areas are being advised to secure vessels.
Motorists in flood-affected areas are being warned to avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through flood waters.
An EMERGENCY ALERT was issued at 2.25 pm Wednesday 18 March by the Napranum Disaster Management Group, warning Napranum may be affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Residents are being told to “PREPARE NOW for possible impacts. Destructive Winds are likely from Friday 20 March. You should prepare your property and emergency kit.”
Authorities have also warned of abnormally high tides and a dangerous storm tide, particularly around Princess Charlotte Bay, while flood watches are in place across the Cape York Peninsula, with riverine flooding likely over the weekend.
Residents are advised to monitor local radio, visit https://www.napranum.qld.gov.au/ and follow updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.
For assistance with cyclone damage, residents can contact the SES on 132 500 or phone Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.
Further updates are expected as Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaches the coast and warnings are updated.
