Key Takeaways
- Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall in the Northern Territory on Saturday evening as a category three system.
- A cyclone warning is in place for communities along the east coast from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, with peak wind gusts of 190 to 200 kilometres per hour expected.
- Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to start impacting communities in the warning zones on Saturday afternoon, with the potential for power outages, structural damages, and fallen trees.
- Evacuations are underway, with approximately 500 people being evacuated from Numbulwar to Darwin, and around 100 people being evacuated from Aboriginal homelands in east Arnhem Land.
- The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to already-saturated communities and river systems, with Katherine residents bracing for the possibility of a second major flood in two weeks.
Introduction to Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall in the Northern Territory on Saturday evening, after tearing across Far North Queensland yesterday. The storm hit the Cape York Peninsula as a category four system on Friday morning but had weakened to a category two by the time it entered the Gulf of Carpentaria. The system continued brewing in the gulf overnight and is expected to reorganise into a category three before making landfall in the territory. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a cyclone warning for communities along the east coast from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, including Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, and Gapuwiyak.
Cyclone Warning and Watch Zones
A cyclone warning is in place for communities along the east coast from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, with peak wind gusts of 190 to 200 kilometres per hour expected around the centre of the cyclone. Further out from the central core, there is still a risk of damaging to destructive wind gusts of 120 to 160 kilometres per hour. These winds are strong enough to cause power outages, structural damages, and cause trees to fall. A watch zone extends to Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to start impacting communities in the warning zones on Saturday afternoon.
Evacuations and Preparations
Evacuations are underway, with approximately 500 people being evacuated from Numbulwar to Darwin in the past 48 hours. Authorities said communities on Groote Eylandt, as well as Borroloola, were being prepared to shelter in place. Community radio broadcaster Percy Bishop said communities on Groote Eylandt had been preparing for days, with homes in the community coded to withstand a category three cyclone and shelters opening in Alyungula, Angurugu, and Umbakumba. On the mainland, around 100 people have been evacuated from Aboriginal homelands in east Arnhem Land, with multiple planes and vehicles deployed to four outstation communities on Friday.
Impact on Communities
The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to already-saturated communities and river systems, with Katherine residents bracing for the possibility of a second major flood in two weeks. Businesses are being sandbagged, and a field hospital has been set up as Katherine prepares for another major flood. Residents of Rurrangala, Baniyala, Balma, and Gangan are sheltering in safe accommodation in Nhulunbuy. The Darwin River Dam is also under pressure, with the Power and Water Corporation implementing "control measures and safeguards" amid continued heavy rain. Flooding caused equipment failure at the dam last week, triggering water restrictions and a boil water alert in Darwin.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall in the Northern Territory on Saturday evening, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to communities in the warning zones. Evacuations are underway, and communities are preparing for the worst. It is essential for residents to take precautions and follow the instructions of authorities to ensure their safety. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to provide updates on the storm’s progress, and residents should stay informed and be prepared for any eventuality. With the potential for power outages, structural damages, and fallen trees, it is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of the storm.