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

Residents on the State’s north coast are bracing for impact as severe tropical Cyclone Narelle — which has been upgraded to category 4 and is rapidly gaining strength — threatens lives and homes as it barrels towards the WA shoreline.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning for the category 4 cyclone on Thursday for areas between Port Hedland and Northampton, including Karratha, Onslow, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Carnarvon, and Denham, and to Pannawonica and Murchison to the east.

An emergency warning was also issued for the Barrow and Montebello Islands, and areas between Dampier and Onslow — excluding Karratha — and Coral Bay.

“There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” DFES said in a statement.

Emergency WA issued the following advice for West Australians residing in the affected areas:

• Shelter indoors now.
• 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.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Narelle — which is expecting to strengthen overnight — was generating sustained winds of up to 175km/h, with gusts up to 250km/h.

It is moving in a south-westerly direction at about 20km/h, and is currently located about 240km west of Karratha and 170km north north-east of Exmouth.

“Narelle is larger than usual and although the cyclone is located north of the Pilbara, gales and destructive winds are occurring over the coast,” a Bureau spokesperson said.

“Early Friday, Narelle will turn towards the south, likely passing close to the North West Cape as a Category four cyclone.

“Severe impacts will extend from the western Pilbara coast to the Gascoyne coast overnight, and then extending south to Denham during Friday.

“On Saturday, Narelle is expected to be weakening as it moves quickly to the south southeast with impacts extending to the Central West and then further inland and south across the South West Land Division.

“During Saturday the strongest winds are expected to be on the eastern side of the system.”

The Bureau warned of “very destructive wind gusts”, heavy rainfall and flash flooding in western parts of the Pilbara and Gascoyne region.

“Areas of intense rainfall that may lead to severe flash flooding likely to develop about the western Pilbara west of about Onslow overnight and Friday morning, before extending further south into the northwestern Gascoyne later Friday morning,” a spokesperson saids.

Coastal residents living between Onslow and Denham have also been warned of a dangerous storm tide as the cyclone moves south down the Gascoyne coast.

“Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide, with damaging waves and dangerous flooding,” a spokesperson said.

“Large waves may produce minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.”

Evacuation centres have opened at Exmouth Shire Hall, Shark Bay Recreation Centre and Canarvon PCYC.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said he was “not certain” where Narelle would make landfall.

“The cyclone is travelling in a south-westerly direction but once it moves near the North West Cape and curves southwards, even a slight change in track opens up different possibilities of where it could reach landfall,” he told media on Thursday.

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

“With so much uncertainty it’s critical that people stay up to date with the latest information and take the necessary steps to prepare for severe weather.”

Dramatic photographs have emerged of the cyclone’s destruction, capturing images of fallen trees and rising swell.

Many schools between Port Hedland and Geraldton have also been closed.

A cyclone watch and act is in place for Roebourne, to the east of Coral Bay, and areas south of Coral Bay to Overlander Roadhouse, including coastal islands.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area,” a DFES spokesperson said.

“You need to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone.

“If you live in a caravan, older home or a home that has not been maintained, move to your nearest evacuation centre or safer place.

“No matter how many cyclones you have been through, a severe cyclone can be overwhelming. If you plan to shelter at home, make sure you and your family are physically and mentally prepared.”

Warning updates are available at the Emergency WA website and the Bureau of Meteorology.