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The Bureau of Meteorology has verified 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 shelter without delay.
Winds in the cyclone’s core have reached speeds of 195 km/h, with gusts soaring to 270 km/h.
Currently, Cyclone Narelle is advancing westward, traversing the territory between Lockhart River and Coen.
According to senior meteorologist Sarah Scully, the cyclone is expected to generate significant airborne debris, cause extensive structural harm, and lead to substantial property damage.
“Satellite information reveals that winds around the system’s center are widely surpassing 200 km/h,” Scully noted.
“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