Fresh flood threat in sodden Far North Queensland towns as system hits Northern Territory
Tom Wark And Melissa Meehan
Tropical Cyclone Narelle weakened as it moved towards already drenched Top End communities after crossing the coast of northern Australia for the second time.
The hurricane was downgraded to a category two system shortly after passing Cape Shield in far eastern Arnhem Land on Sunday morning.
Winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour were still persistent, capable of damaging some homes as they gathered power over the Gulf of Carpentaria overnight.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the cyclone was the first weather system expected to hit three states and territories in more than two decades.
Cyclone Narelle passed Cape York in northern Queensland on Friday with a category four system (the second highest classification).
It is expected to weaken to tropical lows as it moves across the Northern Territory towards Katherine, a major town already affected by widespread flooding caused by the previous storm.
Shelter warnings remain in effect from Nhulunbuy to Numbulwar in Arnhem Land.
Narelle is expected to pass over Joseph Bonaparte Bay on Monday, with storms expected to develop north of the center.
There is a moderate chance that Narelle will re-develop into a tropical cyclone in the Gulf and near the Western Australian border.
In its morning update, the bureau warned, “If you find yourself in the middle of a hurricane, do not go out.”
“Very destructive winds from a different direction may start again at any time.”
Towns in the Gulf of Carpentaria and further inland in the Northern Territory have been told winds of up to 165km per hour and rainfall of over 200 millimeters are expected on Sunday.
The manager of the Savannah Way Motel in the bay town of Borroloola said the community was well prepared for the storm and the government’s response so far has been effective.
“There was some water around due to the previous rain,” Anastasi Kambourakis said.
“Most people who live in Borroloola are used to it this time of year.”
Narelle is the first hurricane to hit the region in more than a year, and lessons have been learned from previous experiences.
“We experienced a loss of load for a while,” Kambourakis said.
“The government always prioritizes delivering this to the community.”
Gulf communities are also warned to expect abnormally high sea levels, which could lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents sheltering at home should be moved to the smallest, strongest, most protective room of their home, such as a bathroom or toilet.
Flood warnings are in place for much of the Top End, particularly Katherine and the previously flooded community of Daly.
Patients were evacuated from Katherine Hospital in anticipation that Narelle would worsen the delicate flood situation in the town.
Warnings are also in place for major WA areas.
As the storm slowly weakens, people in the Kimberley have been told to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain on Monday.
Cyclone cleanup has begun in Queensland, with power crews deployed to restore power to more than 1,000 homes.
Police have distributed fuel to remote communities on Cape York to help locals recover after a storm that toppled trees and blew off roofs.
AAP
