TC Narelle could be ‘biggest system in living memory’ when it crosses Queensland coast, authorities warn North Queenslanders could be facing the biggest tropical cyclone “in living memory,” with Tropical Cyclone Narelle expected to cross Cape York on Friday. The storm, which formed south of the Solomon Islands on Tuesday evening, is heading toward the far north Queensland coast and has a 90% chance of making landfall near Coen on Friday, according to Sue Oates from the Bureau of Meteorology. On Wednesday afternoon, Narelle intensified to a category 3 cyclone, with wind gusts estimated at 200 to 250 km/h near the eye of the system. Oates warned of intense rainfall, flash flooding, and strong tides as the storm approaches. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the state government is deploying emergency services to the area, including the evacuation of Lizard Island, a luxury resort and home to a coral research station operated by the Australian Museum. A museum spokesperson confirmed the station had activated its cyclone management plan, with seven people leaving the island and eight essential staff remaining on-site. Vulnerable individuals, such as those requiring dialysis or pregnant women, are also being evacuated from the cyclone zone. Crisafulli urged residents to prepare or evacuate by Wednesday, emphasizing the potential severity of the storm. Queensland Police’s disaster coordinator, Chris Stream, warned of the risks, stating that being outside during the cyclone could be fatal due to debris propelled at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. The Bureau of Meteorology released an updated track map, projecting Narelle to make landfall near Coen as a category 4 storm on Friday morning.#tropical_cyclone_narelle #queensland_premier_david_crisafulli #bureau_of_meteorology #australian_museum #coen
