Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Tropical Cyclone Advice
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: Transmitters serving the area between Nhulunbuy to north of Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt, are requested to USE the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before broadcasting the following warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 33
Issued at 01:18 AM CST on Sunday 22 March 2026

Headline:
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is impacting the eastern Top End between Nhulunbuy and Numbulwar. To move west across the Northern Territory on Sunday.

Areas Affected:
Warning zone: Milingimbi to Nathan River, including Nhulunbuy, Galiwin'ku, Numbulwar, Alyangula, Gapuwiyak, Bulman, and Ngukurr.

Watch zone: King George River Mouth to WA/NT Border.

Cancelled zone: None.

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle 34U at 12:30 am ACST:
Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 130 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 185 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 30 kilometres of 13.3 degrees South 136.4 degrees East, estimated to be 130 kilometres south southwest of Nhulunbuy and 60 kilometres north of Alyangula.
Movement: west southwest at 18 kilometres per hour.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is impacting coastal areas of the eastern Top End with a coastal crossing early Sunday morning near Cape Shield to the northwest of Groote Eylandt. Narelle will then track across the Top End on Sunday and Monday as a tropical low and a Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds.
During Monday, Narelle is expected to move over the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and gales are forecast to redevelop to the north of the centre. There is a Moderate chance that Narelle redevelops into a tropical cyclone while in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf near the NT/WA Border.

Hazards:
VERY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts to 185 km/h are forecast to develop in coastal areas between about Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt, overnight into Sunday as Narelle makes landfall.
DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 160 km/h are expected between Nhulunbuy and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt overnight into Sunday.
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are developing in coastal and adjacent inland areas between Cape Wessel and Nathan River, including Nhulunbuy and Galiwin'ku, and are likely to continue overnight into Sunday. These GALES may extend west to Milingimbi, Ramingining, Bulman, and Ngukurr during Sunday morning.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is developing about coastal and adjacent inland areas over the eastern Top End between Milingimbi and Nathan River, and is forecast to extend further inland during Sunday. LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL leading to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is likely over the eastern Top End between Birany Birany and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt, extending inland towards Bulman later on Sunday.
Tides will be higher than normal between Milingimbi and Nathan River this morning. LARGE WAVES may produce MINOR FLOODING of low-lying coastal areas. A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE between Birany Birany and Port Roper, including Groote Eylandt, is possible as the cyclone centre crosses the coast with DAMAGING WAVES and DANGEROUS FLOODING. A separate coastal hazard warning is current for abnormally high tides south of Port Roper, with elevated water levels likely to persist across the Gulf of Carpentaria after the passage of Narelle.
Western Australia:
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 90 km/h are possible between King George River Mouth and the WA/NT border during Monday.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for the north Kimberley during Monday.

Recommended Action:
NTES advises:
People between Nhulunbuy and Numbulwar, including Groote Eylandt (Alyangula) and Gapuwiyak, should remain inside until the cyclone has passed and listen to the next advice at 4.30 am.
- Do not venture outside if you find yourself in the eye of the cyclone - very destructive winds from a different direction could resume at any time
- Heed the advice and follow the instructions of Emergency Services personnel and local authorities.
People in remaining areas between Milingimbi and Nathan River, including Numbulwar, Bulman, and Ngukurr, should take precautions and listen to the next advice at 4:30 am.
- Outside property, including boats, playground equipment, chairs and tables should be secured.
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Secure NT website at https://securent.nt.gov.au
- For emergency assistance call the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).
DFES advises:
Ensure you know what to do in a cyclone. For the latest DFES community alerts and warnings visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app.

Cyclone advices and DFES Alerts are available by dialling 13 DFES (13 3337)

A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map – Nt
Issued at 01:18 AM CST on Sunday 22 March 2026

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Northern Territory

Coastal Hazard Warning
for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES

for parts of Carpentaria district.

Issued at 10:57 pm Saturday, 21 March 2026.


Elevated sea levels for the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria

Weather Situation
Elevated sea levels as Tropic Cyclone Narelle moves westwards over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Warnings for Saturday 21 March

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES for the following areas:
Carpentaria
ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected within the region including King Ash Bay and Bing Bong Port. Tides are likely to rise well above the normal high tide mark during Sunday's high tides.


The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* be aware that abnormally high tides could cause minor flooding at the coast
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au

The next Coastal Hazard Warning will be issued by 5:00 am ACST Sunday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Northern Territory Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Northern Territory

Coastal Hazard Warning
for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES

for parts of Carpentaria district.

Issued at 10:57 pm Saturday, 21 March 2026.


Elevated sea levels for the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria

Weather Situation
Elevated sea levels as Tropic Cyclone Narelle moves westwards over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Warnings for Saturday 21 March

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES for the following areas:
Carpentaria
ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas expected within the region including King Ash Bay and Bing Bong Port. Tides are likely to rise well above the normal high tide mark during Sunday's high tides.


The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* be aware that abnormally high tides could cause minor flooding at the coast
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au

The next Coastal Hazard Warning will be issued by 5:00 am ACST Sunday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Northern Territory Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Northern Territory

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for Daly and parts of Arnhem, Carpentaria and Gregory districts.

Issued at 10:56 pm Saturday, 21 March 2026.

LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS DEVELOPING OVER THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TOP END FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

Weather Situation
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is approaching the eastern Top End coast and is expected to continue moving steadily west-southwestwards over the next few days. The system is expected to make landfall over the eastern Top End coast overnight tonight into early Sunday morning, before continuing over land across the central Top End while transitioning to a deep tropical low.

Warnings for Saturday 21 March

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Daly, Arnhem, Carpentaria and Gregory
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the central Top End, including Katherine, from early Sunday afternoon, before shifting more into the Daly district from late Sunday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 180 to 230 mm are likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible north of Katherine from Sunday afternoon with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 180 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals of around 300 mm are possible.
Localised DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible in the warning area during Sunday afternoon and evening, particularly in the Carpentaria and Arnhem districts.
A Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current for this system. Flood Watches and Warnings are also current for the area. A separate warning for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES is current for parts of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria coast. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Katherine, Jabiru, Maningrida, Wadeye, Nauiyu and Batchelor.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate
* pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
* avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am ACST Sunday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Northern Territory Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Northern Territory

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for Daly and parts of Arnhem, Carpentaria and Gregory districts.

Issued at 10:56 pm Saturday, 21 March 2026.

LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS DEVELOPING OVER THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TOP END FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

Weather Situation
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is approaching the eastern Top End coast and is expected to continue moving steadily west-southwestwards over the next few days. The system is expected to make landfall over the eastern Top End coast overnight tonight into early Sunday morning, before continuing over land across the central Top End while transitioning to a deep tropical low.

Warnings for Saturday 21 March

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Daly, Arnhem, Carpentaria and Gregory
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the central Top End, including Katherine, from early Sunday afternoon, before shifting more into the Daly district from late Sunday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 180 to 230 mm are likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible north of Katherine from Sunday afternoon with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 180 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals of around 300 mm are possible.
Localised DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible in the warning area during Sunday afternoon and evening, particularly in the Carpentaria and Arnhem districts.
A Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current for this system. Flood Watches and Warnings are also current for the area. A separate warning for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES is current for parts of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria coast. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Katherine, Jabiru, Maningrida, Wadeye, Nauiyu and Batchelor.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate
* pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
* avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am ACST Sunday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Northern Territory Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Australia

Flood Watch For Parts Of The Top End
Issued at 11:51 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026
Flood Watch Number: 3
ADDITIONAL AREAS OF MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF THE TOP END FROM SUNDAY

Catchments likely to be affected include:
East Kimberley Rivers
Victoria River below Kalkarindji
Fitzmaurice River
Moyle River
Katherine River
Daly River above Douglas River
Lower Daly River
Finniss River
Tiwi Islands
Upper Adelaide River
Adelaide River below Adelaide River Town
Mary River
Wildman River
South Alligator River
East Alligator River
Goomadeer River
Liverpool River
Blyth River
Goyder River
Buckingham River
Koolatong River
Walker River
Waterhouse River
Roper River
Groote Eylandt

Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Katherine, Lower Daly, Upper Adelaide and Waterhouse. A Tropical Cyclone advice is current for parts of Northern Territory.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM ACST on Sunday 22 March 2026.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Daly River
Issued at 10:46 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 28

PROLONGED MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AT DALY POLICE STATION
Significant major flooding is occurring along the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station, where river levels peaked at 16.42 m during last Sunday morning which was above the 1998 flood level (16.25 m).
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall over parts of Daly River catchment in the next few days.
The river level is expected to remain above the major flood level for the remainder of weekend and into the next week. Renewed rises are possible from Sunday with forecast rainfall.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Top End including the Daly River catchment. A Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current for parts of the Northern Territory.

Lower Daly River:
Prolonged major flooding is continuing along the Daly River at Daly Police Station.
The Daly River at Daly River Police Station is currently at 14.68 m and falling slowly, with major flooding.
The Daly River at Daly River Police Station is expected to remain above the major flood level (14.00 m) for the remainder of weekend and into the next week. Renewed river level rises are possible from Sunday, with forecast rainfall.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11:30 AM ACST on Sunday 22 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing,20.24,steady,8:30 am Sat 21/03/26
Douglas River at Douglas Crossing,7.16,rising,10:30 am Sat 21/03/26
Daly River at Mount Nancar,17.61,steady,9:45 am Sat 21/03/26
Daly River at Daly River Police Station,14.68,falling,9:45 am Sat 21/03/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Katherine River
Issued at 10:09 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 42

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT NITMILUK CENTRE FROM OVERNIGHT SUNDAY AND AT KATHERINE BRIDGE FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End. Forecast rain from late Saturday is likely to cause significant and rapid river level rises across the Katherine River catchment. Minor flooding is expected at Nitmiluk Centre Sunday morning and major flooding may develop from overnight Sunday. Minor flooding is likely at Katherine Bridge from overnight Sunday and major flooding may develop from Monday afternoon.
This situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Top End including the Katherine River catchment. A Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current for parts of the Northern Territory.

Katherine River Gorge Road:
Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is currently at 2.17 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) Sunday morning. The river may exceed the moderate (5.50 m) and major (6.50 m) flood levels overnight Sunday into Monday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

Katherine Town:
Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Katherine Town.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is currently at 10.11 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (16.00 m) overnight Sunday into Monday. The river may exceed the moderate (16.5 m) flood level from Monday morning and major (17.5 m) flood level from Monday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11:00 AM ACST on Sunday 22 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Katherine River near Birdie Creek,4.28,steady,6:00 am Sat 21/03/26
Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View,1.99,steady,9:45 am Sat 21/03/26
Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre,2.17,steady,9:51 am Sat 21/03/26
Katherine River at Katherine Bridge,10.11,falling,9:56 am Sat 21/03/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Waterhouse River
Issued at 09:04 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 5

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BESWICK BRIDGE FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH FORECAST RAINFALL
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End. Forecast rain from late Saturday may cause significant and rapid river level rises across the Waterhouse River catchment, where river levels at Beswick Bridge are likely to exceed the minor flood level Sunday morning and may exceed the moderate and major flood levels from Sunday afternoon.
The situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of Top End including Waterhouse and Roper River catchments. A tropical cyclone advice is also current for parts of NT.

Waterhouse River:
Rapid river rises and major flooding may develop along the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge from Sunday.
The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is currently at 5.50 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (7.70 m) Sunday morning. The river may exceed the moderate (8.10 m) and major flood levels (8.70 m) from Sunday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11:00 AM ACST on Sunday 22 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Waterhouse River at Diljin Hill (Downstream),2.40,steady,6:00 am Sat 21/03/26
Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge,5.50,steady,8:45 am Sat 21/03/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.