7m agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 11:42am
Streets quiet, people safely in shelters in Groote Eylandt community
Radio manager Percy Bishop spoke about the weather situation in Angurugu, on Groote Eylandt, earlier tonight.
He says it’s quiet in the community, with the streets empty and people bunkered down in cyclone shelters.
The community has banded together to prepare for Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, he says, and is receiving plenty of support from police, medical staff, school teachers and the local land council.
“I think we’re good. There’s just getting through this next part,” he says.
“The roads are clear, nobody’s out, everyone’s trying to lock up and be safe at home.
But, this is really the calm before the storm.”
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30m agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 11:19am
‘Mammoth’ preparations underway in Katherine
With anxiety in Katherine about the possibility Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle could bring major flooding, just a few weeks after the town’s worst flood in 28 years, ABC Darwin reporter Olivana Lathouris spoke to local member Jo Hersey about how the community is preparing.
Loading…1h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 10:38amCyclone ‘beginning to impact’ north-eastern NT
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is “beginning to impact coastal areas” in the north-eastern Northern Territory as a category three system, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has said in an update.
BOM says the area between Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt is starting to be impacted.
Here’s the new BOM track map showing the cyclone’s location:
The Bureau of Meteorology’s track for Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, issued at 7:30pm ACST. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)
BOM says the cyclone “will cross the eastern Top End coast overnight tonight, most likely between Birany Birany and Numbulwar”.
“Narelle will then track across the Top End on Sunday and Monday as a tropical low,” the bureau says.
During Monday the cyclone is expected to move over the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf.
1h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 9:56am
Katherine prepared for potential ‘significant’ river rises: NT police commissioner
With Tropical Cyclone Narelle expected to drop a lot of rain as it crosses the coast and moves over land, NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole has told ABC NT presenter Laetitia Lemke that already flood-affected communities like Katherine and Beswick are well-prepared.
“The Top End is absolutely saturated,” he says.
“All of the catchments are full, run-off is going to be swift, rivers are going to react and rise very quickly. And Katherine basically had a trial run for what they might expect just over a week and a half ago.
“There are predictions that the Katherine catchment is going to receive a significant amount of rainfall and the river is going to respond quickly and rapidly.
“What I can say is we’re well-prepared for that. We’ve pre-deployed resources to Katherine.
“We’re more prepared than we were two weeks ago because we saw what’s potentially likely to occur.”
He says Katherine residents are “very aware of what to expect”.
“It’s not about being alarmed, it’s about being prepared. And we’ve got plenty of people down there to help people prepare,” he says.
Martin Dole says NT communities and emergency services are well-prepared. (ABC News: Marcus Kennedy)2h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 9:45amNT police commissioner praises communities’ ‘strong preparedness’
In an interview for ABC NT’s 7pm news with presenter Laetitia Lemke, NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole has said authorities are pleased with the “strong level of preparedness” they’re seeing in Top End communities ahead of Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s arrival.
“Communities have listened to us. They’ve enacted safety plans, they’ve made preparations to their properties, they have supplies in place and they know where they’re going to shelter,” he says.
He says emergency services are also well-prepared for the storm.
“We’ve been in a high-risk weather season since November last year. This is our seventh event in the Northern Territory. And we actually had an emergency operations centre already stood up in relation to flooding,” he says.
“So we were very quickly able to pivot and turn our minds to planning and preparation for the impending impact of Tropical Cyclone Narelle on the Northern Territory.”
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole being interviewed by ABC news presenter Laetitia Lemke. (ABC News)
His key message for communities in the path of the system is to “stay inside, stay safe, don’t take unnecessary risks and listen to the emergency broadcasting so that [you know] when it is safe”.
“What I don’t want to see is people out there putting themselves in situations where they’re putting their lives at risk and making emergency services have to put themselves at risk to rescue them,” he says.
2h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 9:21am
Boil water alert announced for Yirrkala
A previous boil water alert for coastal communities in East Arnhem Land has been updated to include Yirrkala.
It joins the communities of Umbakumba, Angurugu, Milyakburra and Numbulwar, which have been under the alert since earlier this afternoon.
Residents are advised to use cooled boiled water or bottled water for drinking, preparing food and baby formula, and for brushing teeth.
The NT Health Department says the alert has been put in place as a precautionary measure because Tropical Cyclone Narelle has the potential to damage water supply in those areas.
2h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 9:04am
Wind and rain picks up in Yirrkala
Here’s some footage showing the state of the weather in Yirrkala, on the Gove Peninsula in East Arnhem Land, earlier today.
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3h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 8:38am
NT homeland communities expecting to be cut off by flooding
One of the first communities on the NT mainlaind forecast to be hit by Tropical Cyclone Narelle is the remote community of Baniyala, which saw 53 of its residents evacuated last night.
Along the north-east coastline of the NT are dozens of Yolŋu homeland communities, many of which are managed by the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation.
The corporation’s chief executive, Glenda Abraham, says there are six homelands in Cyclone Narelle’s direct path, but that she expects 27 homelands to be cut off by flooding.
She says 108 homelands residents have already been relocated to the larger regional communities of Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala.
The Yolŋu homeland of Gangan is forecast to feel the brunt of Narelle early tomorrow. (Supplied: Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation)
3h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 8:09am
Many Top End communities told to shelter now
NT Emergency Services have advised residents between Gapuwiyak and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt and Nhulunbuy, to “remain inside” until Tropical Cyclone Narelle has passed.
Other communities have been told to “immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property”.
They are:
Areas between Nhulunbuy and Nathan RiverIncluding Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, and Gapuwiyak
Meanwhile, NTES says “people further west”, including in Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr, should “take precautions” and listen to alerts.
4h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 7:39am
BOM issues hazard warnings
Alongside its newest track map, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a list of hazard warnings for communities across the NT coast.
Very destructive winds and destructive winds — between 160km/h and 185km/h
Forecast for areas between Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt, this evening and overnight into tomorrow as Narelle approaches from the east.
Damaging wind gusts — 120km/h
Forecast for areas between Gapuwiyak and Nathan River, including Nhulunbuy and are expected to continue overnight into tomorrow.
Heavy rainfall — which could lead to flash flooding
Forecast for areas over the eastern Top End between Nhulunbuy and Nathan River, and expected to extend further inland during tomorrow.Also likely over the eastern Top End between Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt, during this afternoon and evening.
Tides higher than normal
Forecast for areas between Nhulunbuy and Nathan River today and tomorrow.4h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 7:06amTropical Cyclone Narelle now at category three
The latest track map from the Bureau of Meteorology shows that Tropical Cyclone Narelle is now a category three weather system.
The system is currently sitting 140 kilometres south-east of Nhulunbuy and 175km east north-east of Alyangula on Groote Eylandt.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest track map as of 4:20pm. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)
At the centre of the system, sustained winds are averaging 120km/h, with wind gusts of 165km/h.
According to the BOM, Cyclone Narelle is set to cross the eastern Top End coast overnight tonight or early tomorrow morning, most likely between Birany Birany and Numbulwar.
Cyclone Narelle is sitting 140km south-east of Nhulunbuy. (Bureau of Meteorology)
4h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 6:53am
BOM’s wind weather map
The Bureau of Meteorology’s wind weather map as of 3:30pm shows the proximity of Tropical Cyclone Narelle to the NT coastline and the wind speeds surrounding it.
BOM’s wind weather map as of 3:30pm. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)
5h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 6:40am
Recovery at golf course could take months
Carpenteria Golf Club president Len McKinley and vice president Oliver Tata have spent the day assessing the damage around the Weipa Golf Course.
Mr McKinley says it could be a month or so before the course is able to reopen.
“There’s some massive trees down there; there’s a massive resource needed,” he says.
Carpenteria Golf Club president Len McKinley and vice president Oliver Tata. (ABC News)
Mr Tata adds that there are power lines down on the course and their biggest concern was keeping residents safe, especially those with houses that back onto the golf course.
“Everyone is wanting to have a look and go down and see what sort of devastation has happened down on the course,” he says.
Mr McKinley, who has lived in Weipa since 1985, says while he has been through plenty of cyclones he was less prepared for the damage caused by Cyclone Narelle.
“I think we weren’t expecting the winds and the damage that we got,” he says.
5h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 6:25amBoil water alert issued for East Arnhem Land
NT Health have issued a boil water alert for East Arnhem Land coastal communities as a “precautionary measure” due to the “possible impacts of Cyclone Narelle”.
In a statement NT Health said Power and Water Corporation had advised them that Cyclone Narelle had the “potential to damage the water supply system in Umbakumba, Angurugu, Milyakburra, and Numbulwar.
“Power and Water Corporation will check the water supply system and undertake repairs, if necessary, when the weather allows,” the statement read.
NT Health have advised that residents in the area should use cooled boil water or bottled water for:
Drinking;Preparing food and baby formula;Brushing teeth
NT Health added that the alert would be lifted once the Chief Health Officer was “confident the water supply is safe to drink”.
5h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 6:11am
Assessment still needed on homelands near Aurukun
A Cape York Aboriginal organisation says homelands near Aurukun, including sites like Blue Lagoon used for cultural camps and time on country, will need to be assessed to determine any impact from Cyclone Narelle.
Homelands are typically only accessible by helicopter during the wet season, so assessments are likely to be delayed until conditions improve.
APN Cape York says it is monitoring the situation and will work with Aurukun Shire Council to support clean-up efforts on affected homelands.
5h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 5:56am
Katherine business owners anxious about potential for further floods
Small businesses in Katherine hit hard by flooding less than a fortnight ago say they’re anxiously waiting to see what the next 24 hours brings.
The window to prepare is rapidly closing but many people are still reeling from the devastating floods earlier this month.
George Pikos owns a Pizza restaurant in town which was inundated by floodwater.
He and his wife lost $20,000 worth of stock and white goods.
“We’re really hoping the government will step in with more help,” he said.
“It’s been devastating not just for ourselves but for everyone, residents, businesses.”
George Pikos is one local Katherine business owner feeling nervous about what Cyclone Narelle will bring. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
Mr Pikos said they’ve done all they can to flood-proof their restaurant and is now crossing his fingers they’ll be spared a second flood disaster.
6h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 5:38am
More than 7,000 sandbags delivered in Katherine
Volunteers and emergency services in Katherine have managed to deliver more than 7,000 sandbags in the last two days across the regional town.
It has been non-stop for those helping residents and businesses prepare across town ahead of tonight.
We’ve seen lots of businesses and homes piled high with sandbags and plastic taped across windows.
Lots of organisations around Katherine have been blocking their doors with sandbags. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
Sandbags and tarps have been deployed to protect businesses from potential flood waters. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
Ben Hockey, who has become somewhat of a local legend throughout this month’s flood disaster, has been managing volunteers delivering sandbags across town.
He said they’ve become “professionals” after shovelling tons of sand over the last 48 hours.
Ben Hockey has helped ensure Katherine locals get the sandbags they need. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
It’s been a very hot, sticky day in Katherine making for sweaty work for volunteers, SES and defence personnel who have been assisting people with clean-up efforts from the town’s recent flooding.
No rain yet — but the humidity certainly makes it feel like it’s on its way.
6h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 5:25amKatherine Hospital patients evacuating
In a statement released moments ago, NT Health advised that patients at Katherine Hospital are being evacuated due to “significant weather conditions in the next 24-48 hours”.
NT Health said up to 20 patients would be transferred to the Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital and nine pregnant patients would also be evacuated “as a precaution”.
“NT Health will continue to keep families of patients informed about their loved ones through regular updates,” the statement read.
The health department said despite this, emergency care would continue “until further notice” at the hospital.
“Any patient requiring admission to Hospital will be transferred to Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional Hospitals for admission,” the statement read.
“NT Health will provide the location for Emergency Care in Katherine when confirmed.
“Anyone experiencing a health emergency should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
6h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 5:08am
Teams assessing damage in Wujal Wujal
A Rapid Damage Assessment Team has been flown in to Wujal Wujal, south of Cooktown in Queensland’s far north, to survey the cyclone impact.
(Supplied: Queensland Fire Department)
(Supplied: Queensland Fire Department)
Additional police and ambulance officers have also been on the ground throughout the week.
(Supplied: Queensland Fire Department)6h agoSat 21 Mar 2026 at 4:53am’Like a jet engine’: Aurukun residents describe Cyclone Narelle
One fallen tree crashed into a house in Aurukun. (Supplied: Steven Keys)
People in Aurukun are beginning to assess the damage from Cyclone Narelle, with strong winds bringing down trees and damaging electrical infrastructure.
Community contractor Steven Keys said the noise was intense.
“It sounded like a jet engine with afterburners,” Mr Keys says.
“Damage could have been a lot worse — it’s mainly the electrical infrastructure that’s been hit.
“I’m already flat out removing trees from houses.”
He says the work started early this morning.
There has been some significant damage in Aurukun. (Supplied: Peter Murphy)
Longstanding community member and former police officer Andrew Clarkson, who has worked in Aurukun for around 30 years, says he has been speaking with colleagues in the community as the cyclone passed.
“They said it just roared,” Mr Clarkson says.
“From what I’m hearing, they got a real whipping from the strong winds.”
Mr Clarkson says there was some relief the impact was not as severe as it could have been.
“It dipped suddenly before it got to Aurukun,” Mr Clarkson says.
“The backside of the cyclone was actually worse.”
Locals are grateful the impact on Aurukun was not worse. (Supplied: Peter Murphy)
Initial reports indicate multiple power lines are down, and there has been widespread damage to trees across the region.