Far North Queensland is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Narelle, the most significant storm to threaten the region in nearly a decade, makes its approach. The cyclone, which coalesced in the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and Vanuatu, was officially upgraded to tropical cyclone status on Tuesday afternoon.
Narelle’s Projected Path and Impact
As of Thursday afternoon, meteorological forecasts indicated that Narelle was on a collision course with a remote stretch of coastline between Lockhart River and Cape Melville. The expected landfall was slated for Friday morning, with forecasters warning of a “very likely” severe impact. While Narelle is anticipated to diminish in intensity as it crosses the Queensland mainland, it is predicted to regain cyclone strength over the Gulf of Carpentaria before heading towards the Northern Territory.
School Closures and Evacuation Status
In preparation for the worsening conditions, nine state schools in the affected areas have been closed. These educational institutions will remain shut until authorities deem it safe for both staff and students to return. Premier David Crisafulli confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the government is closely monitoring an additional ten schools located within the cyclone’s warning zone.
The following schools in the state’s north have been closed until further notice:
- Bloomfield River State School
- Coen Campus of CYAAA
- Cooktown State School
- Hopevale Campus of CYAAA
- Lakeland State School
- Laura State School
- Lockhart State School
- Mungalla Silver Lining School
- Rossville State School
Premier Crisafulli also issued a stark warning, stating that the window for residents in the cyclone’s projected path to evacuate has now closed. He reported that access to all communities north of Laura has been severed and these areas are expected to be “offline for an extended period of time.”
Flood Watch Issued for Numerous River Catchments
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for a considerable number of river catchments across the region, anticipating heavy rainfall from late Thursday onwards. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed about potential flood risks.
The river catchments included in the flood watch are:
- Jacky Jacky Creek
- Barron River
- Johnstone River
- Murray River
- Herbert River
- Staaten River
- Coleman and Edward Rivers
- Holroyd and Kendall Rivers
- Olive and Pascoe Rivers
- Archer and Coen Rivers
- Watson River
- Embley and Mission Rivers
- Wenlock River
- Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers
- Jardine River
- Lockhart River
- Stewart River
- Normanby River
- Jeannie River
- Endeavour River
- Mossman River
- Mitchell River
- Daintree River (Including the Bloomfield River)
- Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
- Tully River
Authorities are urging residents in Far North Queensland to heed all warnings and advisories issued by emergency services and the Bureau of Meteorology. Staying informed and prepared is crucial as Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaches the coast.
