Tropical Cyclone Narelle has passed over the Cape York Peninsula and Narelle is now over the Gulf of Carpentaria.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Narelle was located at latitude 13.4°S and longitude 140.3°E which put the center about 260 miles (420 km) east of Alyangula, Australia.  Narelle was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that is in effect for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur.  A Warning also remains in effect for the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula from Mapoon to Cape Keerweer.  That Warning includes Weipa.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Watch for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from west of Nhulunbuy to Ramingining.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle weakened as it moved across the central part of the Cape York Peninsula.  However, the circulation around Narelle was still intact.  A well defined center of circulation was visible on satellite images.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Narelle’s circulation.  A little drier air did appear to be pulled into the southwestern part of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Narelle decreased as Narelle weakened.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Narelle’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Narelle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the northern part of Australia.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Narelle is likely to intensify again during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Narelle toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Narelle will coast of the Northern Territory in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Northern Territory heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Narelle will also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Top End of Australia.