Tropical Cyclone Narelle hit the Cape York Peninsula northwest of Cape Melville on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Narelle was located at latitude 13.4°S and longitude 142.5°E which put the center about 50 miles (85 km) northwest of Coen, Australia. Narelle was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula that is in effect from Lockhart River to Cape Melville. The Warning includes Coen. A Warning is also in effect for the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula from Mapoon to Pormpuraaw. That Warning includes Weipa.
A Watch is in effect for the portion of the west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria from south of Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur.
Even though Tropical Cyclone Narelle weakened after it moved over the Cape York Peninsula, 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.
The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Narelle was still very symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Narelle’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Narelle is 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 20.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 42.1. Tropical Cyclone Narelle is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Milton when Milton hit Florida in 2024.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle will continue to weaken during the next few hours while the center is over the Cape York Peninsula. Narelle will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Narelle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°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 when it moves over the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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 move over the Gulf of Carpentaria in a few hours.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northern part of the Cape York Peninsula during the next few hours. Narelle will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.
Flood Watches are in effect for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and the North Tropical Coast of Queensland.
