Tropical Cyclone Narelle Is Now A Category Five Storm As It Nears Far North Queensland |
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has reached category five intensity a day before it is expected to make landfall.
While landfall will not happen until Friday morning, heavy rainfall is already being experienced by resident in Far North Queensland.
Narelle Now a Category Five Tropical Cyclone
According to a report by Sky News, Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall between Lockhart River and Cape Melville on Friday morning.
There is a possibility that this will take place before 7 a.m., per the Bureau of Meteorology (via ABC News).
Severe Tropical #CycloneNarelle is forecast to cross the #Qld coast on Friday. Storm surges during tropical cyclones can have serious impacts. Watch this video to learn how a #StormSurge forms and the potential outcomes. Latest: https://t.co/OkjBYf3cZd pic.twitter.com/1OlFkhf1cL— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 19, 2026
Severe Tropical #CycloneNarelle is forecast to cross the #Qld coast on Friday. Storm surges during tropical cyclones can have serious impacts. Watch this video to learn how a #StormSurge forms and the potential outcomes. Latest: https://t.co/OkjBYf3cZd pic.twitter.com/1OlFkhf1cL
In an interview with Sky News, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned that the tropical cyclone has the potential of becoming "the biggest event that people have experienced."
"Today really is the last day this is the final window for people to make sure that they've got a plan, their yard is clean, they got the supplies they need," Crisafulli pointed out.
"A lot of staff on the ground we've got police going door to door, we've got a lot of emergency, medical crews, firefighters on the ground ready to respond," he added. "I hope that shows how seriously we are taking it."
Which Areas Are in the Warning Zone?
Multiple areas have been placed in the warning zone, which include Lockhart River to Cape Tribulation. These means the likes of Coen and Cooktown are part of this zone.
Other areas, particularly along the Western Cape York Peninsula between Mapoon and Pormpuraaw, have been put in the watch zone. This includes Weipa and Aurukun.
Emergency crews are now on standby, and affected residents are encouraged to comply with instructions that will be given by authorities in the coming hours.