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Category Five Cyclone Narelle Approaches Queensland, Evacuations Underway

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has intensified to a category five storm as it nears Far North Queensland, threatening winds up to 295 km/h and rainfall.
Forecasts place landfall between Lockhart River and Cape Melville on Friday morning, prompting evacuations and school closures.
Premier David Crisafulli (Queensland, Australia) urged residents to prepare.
The cyclone may weaken to category two as it moves into the Northern Territory, where heavy rainfall is anticipated.

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Story summary

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has intensified to a category five storm as it nears Far North Queensland, threatening winds up to 295 km/h and rainfall.
Forecasts place landfall between Lockhart River and Cape Melville on Friday morning, prompting evacuations and school closures.
Premier David Crisafulli (Queensland, Australia) urged residents to prepare.
The cyclone may weaken to category two as it moves into the Northern Territory, where heavy rainfall is anticipated.