Extreme weather
03/20/2026, 07:4703/20/2026, 07:47
As a cyclone in the second highest category 4, tropical storm “Narelle” made landfall on the north coast of Queensland and caused severe devastation in the remote region. The storm reached the coast in the morning (local time) between Lockhart River and Coen on the Cape York Peninsula.
On Thursday, “Narelle” strengthened over the sea to the highest category 5 with gusts of more than 300 kilometers per hour – and caused great concern among the authorities and the population. Although the cyclone swept over the peninsula in a slightly weaker form, the gusts still reached up to 270 km/h. The police sometimes went door to door to warn residents.
“Continuing danger to life”
Eyewitnesses reported to the ABC broadcaster about fallen trees, covered roofs and the first power outages. “Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security when the eye of the storm is overhead,” said Chris Stream, Queensland State Emergency Management Coordinator. He warned of “ongoing danger to life.” However, no deaths were initially reported.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities closed schools, increased emergency services and called on residents in particularly vulnerable areas to evacuate or seek safe accommodation.
Video: watson/nina bürge
In addition to the extreme winds, the massive rainfall is particularly dangerous. The authorities fear severe flooding in some cases. Meanwhile, distant parts of the coast also felt the effects. In the coastal city of Cairns, which is popular with tourists from all over the world and is around 600 kilometers south of the center of the storm, storm surges caused heavy surf and erosion. Beaches were reportedly partially washed away and streets were under water.
Storm is heading towards the Northern Territory
While “Narelle” is slowly weakening over Queensland and is now listed as a Category 3 storm, attention is already turning to the neighboring Northern Territory. There the cyclone could gain strength again from Saturday and make landfall as a category 3 to 4 storm.
A severe flood warning has already been issued for the world-famous Katherine region. Just two weeks ago there was severe flooding there and hundreds of people had to be brought to safety. The soils are saturated and can hardly absorb any more precipitation.
Popular tourist region
A field hospital with experienced medical staff will be set up in the area to relieve the burden on the local hospital. “The people here have already been through a lot and will have to go through a lot more,” said Len Notaras from the Australian National Center for Critical Care Medicine.
The Northern Territory is a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. Katherine is close to the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park with the fascinating Katherine Gorge, created over millions of years by the Katherine River. (sda/dpa)