Cyclone Narelle may intensify to category 5 nearing Queensland

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Tropical Cyclone Narelle is intensifying rapidly and is expected to become a Category 5 system before hitting the Queensland coast on Friday morning.

The cyclone is currently sitting offshore in the Coral Sea and moving west toward land. Forecasters say it is most likely to cross between Lockhart River and Cape Melville.

Authorities warn of dangerous conditions, including:

• Wind gusts above 230km/h near the centre

• Widespread damaging winds up to 160km/h

• Heavy to intense rainfall and flash flooding

• Storm surges and coastal inundation, especially around Princess Charlotte Bay

The Bureau of Meteorology says conditions will worsen from tonight, with the highest impact expected as the system makes landfall.

After crossing the coast, Narelle is expected to weaken slightly while moving west across the Cape York Peninsula, then track into the Gulf of Carpentaria. It could strengthen again before heading into the Northern Territory over the weekend.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the system as a “very dangerous” event, with emergency support on standby.

Warnings are already in place for far north Queensland, with flooding, destructive winds, and severe weather expected to impact communities across the region in the coming days.

Source : 9News

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