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Tropical Cyclone Narelle update

Issued: 4.00pm, Thursday 19 March 2026
Next update: As the situation changes.

Cook Shire Council advises people in the council area to PREPARE NOW for Tropical Cyclone Narelle that is moving towards the Far North Queensland coast, east of Coen. Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to bring SEVERE IMPACTS to Far North Queensland during Friday.

For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance, contact SES on 132500, 132500.qld.gov.au, or the SES Assistance Qld app on Android or iOS. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

What are we expecting?
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (34U) is currently at category 4 intensity in the northern Coral Sea and is moving westwards towards the Queensland coast. Narelle is forecast to cross the Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Cooktown on Friday morning. A severe impact is likely.

Conditions will get worse as it gets closer to land. You could expect:
VERY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS are possible between Lockhart River to Cape Tribulation.
Gales with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS will also possibly extend across Cape York Peninsula, including areas between Weipa and Kowanyama from Friday.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible between Cape Melville and Cape Tribulation from Thursday evening, extending northwards and to inland areas west of Coen during Friday.
LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL is likely in an area of the Peninsula bounded by Lockhart River, Cape Flattery, Pormpuraaw, and Weipa during Friday.

What you need to do:

  • Find out how to ready for a tropical cyclone at the Get Ready Queensland website (Get Prepared) and make an emergency kit.
  • Find the strongest and safest room in the building you are in. This will be away from big windows. It could be a bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, or hallway. Shelter here when the tropical cyclone comes.
  • Cover windows with plywood, a mattress or heavy blanket. Shelter under a mattress if the roof comes off.
  • Put your emergency kit in your safe room.
  • Do not use gas or generators inside. Fumes can be deadly.
  • Fill your car with fuel or charge it, and park it undercover. Do not park under a tree.
  • Store or tie down outside items, like caravans, boats, trailers, outdoor furniture, gas bottles, toys and play equipment.
  • Move outdoor furniture inside or sink it in your pool so it doesn’t fly around in strong winds.
  • Boil and conserve water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, in case water supplies are impacted.
  • Be ready to turn off power, solar, water and gas to your house if you can and if it is safe.
  • Check your family, friends and neighbours know what to do. Help them if you can.

If you are a tourist, visitor, camper or caravanner:

  • Campers and caravanners should pack up now.
  • Visitors should move to an evacuation centre, registration point or assembly area.
  • Airports and highways could close if the tropical cyclone gets closer.
  • If you choose to stay, ask accommodation staff where to shelter if the tropical cyclone hits

For more information: