Full Breakdown
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle: A Rare Threat to Western Australia
3/24/2026, 7:49:11 PM
Current Situation and Forecast
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle is currently impacting the northern coast of Western Australia, having recently moved from the Northern Territory where it caused significant flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts that Narelle will re-intensify into a severe tropical cyclone, potentially reaching category four status by Friday. This unusual weather system is projected to track southward, with the possibility of affecting Perth and surrounding areas over the weekend.
Historical Context and Unusual Path
Narelle's trajectory is notable as it marks the first time since 2005 that a cyclone has crossed from the eastern to the western coast of Australia, impacting all three tropical states: Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines emphasized that this path is unprecedented, with only 15 tropical cyclones impacting Perth in the last century, and none as severe as Narelle is predicted to be.
Impact on Communities
Communities along the Kimberley coast, including Kalumburu and Beagle Bay, are under severe weather warnings due to expected heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Kalumburu has already recorded 146.2 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, leading to localized flooding. Local leaders, such as Kim Holm from the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation, report that residents are prepared, having experienced multiple flooding events in recent months.
Official Statements and Preparedness
The BOM has issued a watch zone from Kuri Bay to Beagle Bay and a warning zone for the Pilbara region, advising residents to prepare for potential flash flooding and damaging winds. Jessica Lingard, a BOM forecaster, noted that the unusual path of Narelle could lead to significant rainfall in Perth, with forecasts suggesting up to 50 mm over the weekend. Preparations are being urged across the state, including securing outdoor items and monitoring local updates.
Criticism and Concerns
While officials are preparing for the worst, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of infrastructure and emergency services in remote areas. Community leaders have expressed anxiety about the potential for severe impacts, especially given the recent flooding from other cyclones. The Northern Territory Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, highlighted the rapid movement of Narelle across the NT, which has raised concerns about preparedness in Western Australia.
Conflicting Reports and Uncertainties
Forecast models indicate a range of possible outcomes for Narelle's path, with some suggesting it may make landfall between Geraldton and Perth, while others predict it could remain offshore. The BOM has acknowledged significant uncertainty regarding the cyclone's trajectory and intensity as it approaches the coast.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are just waiting to see what water comes from the catchment as to whether we will get any additional flooding, but at this moment the community is nice and dry,” — Kim Holm, CEO, Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation
- “It is unique as a weather system … Tropical Cyclone Ingrid was the last time a similar path was created more than 20 years ago, but it reached the Kimberley and did not travel much further down,” — Angus Hines, Senior Meteorologist, BOM
- “Cyclones take all of their energy from the warm tropical waters, so seeing cyclones come down the west coast is certainly unusual, where the water starts to cool down,” — Jessica Lingard, BOM Forecaster
As Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle continues its journey, residents and officials in Western Australia remain vigilant, preparing for a potentially historic weather event that could bring significant impacts to the southern regions of the state.
