Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

Marine Wind Warning Summary for Queensland

Issued at 11:42 AM EST on Friday 20 March 2026
for the period until midnight EST Saturday 21 March 2026

Wind Warnings for Friday 20 March
Storm Force Wind Warning for the following areas:
North East Gulf of Carpentaria
Gale Warning for the following areas:
South East Gulf of Carpentaria and Peninsula Coast
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
Torres Strait and Cooktown Coast
Cancellation for the following areas:
Cairns Coast

Wind Warnings for Saturday 21 March
Hurricane Force Wind Warning for the following areas:
South East Gulf of Carpentaria and North East Gulf of Carpentaria

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 3:00 pm EST Friday.
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Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local
Waters Forecast at http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/map.shtml for information on wind,
wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.
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Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Tropical Cyclone Advice
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: Transmitters serving the area between Lockhart River and Cape Melville and inland to Weipa and Pormpuraaw are requested to USE the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before broadcasting the following warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 20
Issued at 10:49 AM EST on Friday 20 March 2026

Headline:
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle moving inland across Cape York Peninsula, now category 3.

Areas Affected:
Warning zone: Cape York Peninsula between Lockhart River and Cape Melville, and between Mapoon and Pormpuraaw, including Coen, Weipa, and Aurukun.

Watch zone: Northern Territory: Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, including Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, Ngukurr and Bulman.

Cancelled zone: None.

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle 34U at 10:00 am AEST:
Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 155 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 220 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 30 kilometres of 13.4 degrees South 143.2 degrees East, estimated to be 45 kilometres north of Coen and 740 kilometres east of Alyangula.
Movement: west at 21 kilometres per hour.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed the Queensland coast around 7am AEST about 75 kilometres south of Lockhart River as a category 4 system.
Narelle is now moving westwards, currently passing about 45 kilometres north of Coen, and has weakened to category 3. It is forecast to move west over Cape York Peninsula today, continuing to weaken but remaining a tropical cyclone. Narelle will then continue to move west across the Gulf of Carpentaria, and is expected to strengthen again to a severe tropical cyclone before impacting the eastern Northern Territory from late Saturday.

Hazards:
Queensland:
VERY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 220 km/h are possible near the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle as it moves west across Cape York Peninsula this morning.
DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 160 km/h are likely south of Lockhart River to north of Cape Melville this morning. DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS are likely to persist near the centre of Narelle as it moves across Cape York Peninsula for the remainder of today.
Gales with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are likely from Cape Melville to north of Lockhart River. Gales with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are forecast to extend across Cape York Peninsula, including areas between Mapoon and Pormpuraaw, for the remainder of today.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING with LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL is likely in an area of the Cape York Peninsula bounded by Lockhart River, Cape Flattery, Pormpuraaw, and Mapoon during Friday.
Tides will be higher than normal between Coen and Cape Melville for the remainder of today. LARGE WAVES may produce MINOR FLOODING of low-lying coastal areas. There is a small risk that tides may approach the highest tide of the year during Friday.
Tides in Princess Charlotte Bay are likely to rise significantly above this morning's normal high tide, with DAMAGING WAVES and DANGEROUS FLOODING. Any coastal residents in this area are specifically warned of a possible DANGEROUS STORM TIDE on this morning's high tide.
Once Narelle moves into the Gulf of Carpentaria, tides on the western Peninsula between Weipa and Kowanyama may be higher than normal. LARGE WAVES may produce MINOR FLOODING of low-lying coastal areas.
Northern Territory:
GALES are not expected in coastal areas in the next 24 hours, however gales are expected to develop in coastal areas between Port McArthur and Nhulunbuy from Saturday afternoon as Narelle approaches from the east, and extend inland to areas including Ngukurr on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. VERY DESTRUCTIVE winds are possible near the centre of the cyclone on Saturday night.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for coastal and adjacent inland areas over the eastern Top End between Port McArthur and south of Nhulunbuy from late Saturday.
Tides will be higher than normal between Nhulunbuy and Port McArthur later Saturday and Sunday. LARGE WAVES may produce MINOR FLOODING of low-lying coastal areas. A potentially DANGEROUS STORM TIDE between Alyangula and Port Roper is possible as the cyclone centre crosses the coast with DAMAGING WAVES and DANGEROUS FLOODING.

Recommended Action:
Queensland:
- People in the path of the very dangerous cyclone should stay calm and remain in a secure shelter - above the expected water level - while the very destructive winds continue.
- 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.
- There may be powerlines down, broken glass and other hazards.
- Follow the instructions and advice of Police, Emergency Services personnel and local authorities.
- Stay informed by checking your local government s Disaster Dashboards for the latest updates.
IF YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER PHONE TRIPLE ZERO (000) IMMEDIATELY.
- Stay informed by checking your local government s Disaster Dashboards for the latest updates.
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Get Ready Queensland website www.getready.qld.gov.au
- For non-life threatening emergency assistance contact State Emergency Services (SES) online via the SES Assistance QLD App, Apple , Android, online www.132500.qld.gov.au, or call 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland.
Northern Territory:
NTES advises:
People between Port MacArthur and Nhulunbuy, and inland to Ngukurr, should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Secure NT website at http://www.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).

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, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Mulgrave River And Flood Warning For The Russell River
Issued at 09:14 AM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 4

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT PEETS BRIDGE AND GORDONVALE LATE FRIDAY
Moderate rainfall has been observed in the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers catchment since Wednesday, resulting in river and creek level rises. Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring further rainfall across the catchment during Friday. Minor flooding may develop along the Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge and Gordonvale from late Friday
This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Severe Tropical Cyclone Advice is current for Far North Queensland. A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast.

Mulgrave River:
Minor flooding is possible along the Mulgrave River.
The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge is currently at 3.50 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge may exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) late Friday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale is currently at 9.35 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale may exceed the minor flood level (12.00 m) late Friday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Russell River:
River level rises and flooding are possible along the Russell River.

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.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
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 05:00 PM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Mulgrave River at The Fisheries,2.65,rising,8:52 am Fri 20/03/26
Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge,3.50,steady,8:19 am Fri 20/03/26
Mulgrave River at Gordonvale,9.35,rising,8:13 am Fri 20/03/26
Russell River at Bucklands,4.40,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Babinda Creek at The Boulders,2.15,rising,8:20 am Fri 20/03/26
Russell River at Clyde Rd,-0.13,steady,8:54 am Fri 20/03/26

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

Final Flood Warning For The Suttor River
Issued at 09:04 AM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 12

NO FURTHER FLOODING EXPECTED ALONG SUTTOR RIVER AT ST ANNS
River levels fell below the minor flood level along the Suttor River at St Anns during Thursday afternoon following a minor flood peak earlier in the day.
No significant rainfall is forecast for the catchment over the next few days.

Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam:
No further flooding is expected along the Suttor River at St Anns.
The Suttor River at St Anns peaked at 4.00 m around 09:00 am Thursday, with minor flooding. The river is currently at 3.92 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Suttor River at St Anns is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m).

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.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
This is a final warning. No further warnings will be issued for this event.

Latest River Heights:
Burdekin River at Mt Fullstop,2.90,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Paluma Dam,0.08,steady,5:40 am Fri 20/03/26
Star River at Laroona,1.86,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Gainsford,3.33,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Keelbottom Creek at Keelbottom,1.37,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Sellheim,2.55,falling,1:15 am Fri 20/03/26
Alpha Creek at Rivington,0.17,steady,8:53 am Fri 20/03/26
Belyando River at Albro Station,6.50,falling,11:15 am Sun 15/03/26
Belyando River at Belyando Crossing,6.09,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Suttor River at St Anns,3.92,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Cape River at Pentland,1.97,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Cape River at Taemas,1.86,steady,7:27 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin Dam,0.91,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Bowen River at Myuna,1.39,steady,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Dalbeg,3.88,steady,8:58 am Fri 20/03/26
Bogie River at Strathbogie,1.67,steady,7:47 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Millaroo,4.40,steady,6:27 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Clare,4.05,falling,8:11 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge,3.45,steady,8:34 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Rita Island,-3.50,steady,8:32 am Fri 20/03/26
Burdekin River at Groper Creek,1.54,rising,8:54 am Fri 20/03/26

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

Moderate Flood Warning For The Daintree River And Flood Warning For The Mossman River
Issued at 08:44 AM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 4

MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT DAINTREE VILLAGE, MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Moderate to heavy rainfall has been observed across the Daintree River catchment since Wednesday evening, resulting in river and creek level rises, with minor flooding occurring at Daintree Village Friday morning. River levels are also rising rapidly along the Mossman River at Mossman.
Further heavy rainfall is possible during the remainder of Friday and into the weekend. Moderate flooding is possible along the Daintree River at Daintree Village from Friday afternoon. Higher levels are possible if heavy rainfall persists.
This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Severe Tropical Cyclone Advice is current for Far North Queensland. A Flood Watch is current for the Cape York Peninsula and parts of the North Tropical Coast.

Daintree River:
Moderate flooding is possible along the Daintree River at Daintree Village.
The Daintree River at Daintree Village is currently at 4.25 m and rising, with minor flooding.
The Daintree River at Daintree Village may reach the moderate flood level (6.00 m) from Friday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Mossman River:
Rapid river level rises are occurring along the Mossman River.

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.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
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 04:00 PM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Daintree River at Bairds,6.91,rising,8:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Daintree River at Daintree Village,4.25,rising,8:14 am Fri 20/03/26
Mossman River at Mossman,6.65,rising,8:10 am Fri 20/03/26
Mossman Tide,2.73,rising,8:10 am Fri 20/03/26

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.