Tropical Cyclone Narelle forecast to become severe as it nears Top End

Tropical Cyclone Narelle will initially weaken but will strengthen again. Photo / Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Weather authorities warn Tropical Cyclone Narelle is now forecast to strengthen and become a “severe tropical cyclone” again as it crosses Australia’s Top End.

Narelle, which has been downgraded to a category 2 system, is moving westwards near Aurukun, on the western Cape York Peninsula, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest update, issued overnight.

It was forecast to then move quickly through the Gulf of Carpentaria overnight and through Saturday, before strengthening again into a severe tropical cyclone.

“Narelle is expected to approach the northeast parts of the Northern Territory during Saturday,” the bureau’s warning states.

“It is forecast to cross the eastern Top End coast overnight Saturday or early Sunday morning, most likely between Birany Birany and Ngukurr, as a severe tropical cyclone.”

The system is then forecast to weaken as it moves inland over Sunday and Monday.

Sustained winds near the centre of the system are reaching 95km/h, with wind gusts of up to 130km/h.

Queensland-based Ergon Energy has said 1179 people are without power through the Cape region, according to the ABC.

About 200 crews are currently on standby, ready to be dispatched from Mareeba, to restore power to affected communities.

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