Share and Follow
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall at 7 a.m. local time in Queensland on Friday. Authorities have urged residents of Lockhart River, Coen, and Port Stewart to seek immediate shelter for their safety.
The cyclone’s core is experiencing wind speeds of 195 km/h, and gusts have been recorded at a formidable 270 km/h.
Currently, Narelle is pushing westward, traversing the region situated between Lockhart River and Coen.
Sarah Scully, a senior meteorologist, cautioned that the cyclone is likely to result in significant damage, including airborne debris and destruction to structures and properties.
“Satellite observations reveal that winds near the cyclone’s center are surpassing 200 km/h,” Scully stated.
“Very destructive winds may start to be experienced within the next hour ahead of the coastal crossing. Winds of this strength have the potential to cause significant structural damage to buildings and property, such as significant loss of roofs.”
Emergency alerts have been issued urging residents in the remote communities of Lockhart River, Coen, and Port Stewart to take immediate shelter.
“Take shelter now in the strongest part of the building you are in,” the warning said.
Narelle was on course to be the first category five system to hit Cape York since Cyclone Mahina killed more than 300 people in March 1899. It was downgraded to category 4 on Friday morning.
— Wing Kuang, AAP