Cyclone Narelle: Severe category 4 cyclone threatens lives and homes as BOM issues latest tracking map

People on WA’s north coast are bracing for impact this evening as severe tropical cyclone Narelle, upgraded to Category 4 and rapidly strengthening, threatens lives and homes as it approaches the coast.

A warning zone for a Category 4 cyclone was issued at 4.43pm for the area between Port Hedland and Northampton, including Karratha, Onslow, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Carnarvon and Denham, and Pannawonica and Murchison to the east.

A hurricane emergency warning was issued at 5pm on Thursday evening for Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands, as well as the area between Dampier and Onslow (excluding Karratha) and Coral Bay.

The warning from Emergency WA said, “There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and you must take action immediately.”

Emergency WA has issued the following advice for Western Australians in affected areas:

• Now hide inside.
• Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.
• Stay away from doors and windows and keep them closed.
• Keep your emergency kit with you.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Narelle produces winds of up to 175 km/h, with gusts of up to 250 km/h moving south-west at 18 km/h.

“It is likely the far western Pilbara coast will experience severe impacts this evening and overnight, extending south to Denham on Friday,” the BOM said in a statement.

In addition to heavy rainfall, flash flooding is expected along the coast due to dangerous storm tides.

Evacuation centers have been opened at Exmouth Shire Hall, Carnarvon PYC and Shark Bay Recreation Centre.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said it was “uncertain” where Narelle would cross the Western Australian coast.

“The cyclone is moving in a south-westerly direction, but as it approaches the North West Cape and bends southwards, even a slight change in track opens up different possibilities for where it could make landfall,” DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said.

“It could be Exmouth, Carnarvon, Denham or further south.

“With so much uncertainty, it is critical that people stay informed about the latest information and take the necessary steps to prepare for severe weather.”

Wild scenes emerged from the path of the hurricane; Everything from fallen trees to crashing waves was swept away in anger.

Many schools from Port Hedland to Geraldton were also closed.

Alert updates are available at: Emergency WA website And Bureau of Meteorology.