Cyclone Narelle could become category five storm again as it approaches third state
Updated . First published
Tropical Cyclone Narelle could re-intensify into a category five storm as it becomes the first cyclone in over 20 years to hit three states.
The cyclone, which has battered Queensland and the Northern Territory over the last week, is set to move over Western Australia in the coming days.
The storm will gain intensity as it approaches the northern tip of the state, reaching category four late tomorrow or early on Friday, modelling from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) suggests.
LIVE UPDATES: Iranian 'news' outlet gloats over fuel shortages in Australia
Cyclone Narelle has already passed over Queensland and the Northern Territory, and has one more state in her sights. Weatherzone
"There is a possibility it will hit category 5 strength while located to the north of WA," Weatherzone's Ben Domensino said.
He added a southern turn in the storm on Friday could see it make landfall in between Exmouth and Yanchep, potentially in the Shark Bay area, while still being classified as a tropical cyclone.
Senior BoM Meteorologist Angus Hines said similar conditions could be expected for those in the firing line of the cyclone in the coming days.
"We could see wind gusts in excess of 140 kilometres an hour there later this week," he said.
"Widespread heavy rainfall expected all the way from Port Hedland and Exmouth all the way down to Bunbury and Albany."
Hines said areas around Perth could expect between 50-100mm of rain.
NATIONAL: 'Simply cannot keep going': Entire industry facing extinction amid fuel crisis
Cyclomne Narelle initially hit Far North Queensland, causing widespread flooding. Weatherzone
Domensino said if this happens, it means the cyclone would be a historic one.
"Narelle will become the first tropical cyclone since Ingrid in 2005 to make landfall in three Australian states as a tropical cyclone," he said.
READ MORE: Supermarket ham recalled over possible listeria contamination
Coen River in Queensland was inundated by Cyclone Narelle. Facebook
Cyclone Narelle caused widespread damage to the top end of Australia last week, hitting communities like Cape Yorke in the far north of Queensland particularly hard.
It caused widespread floods across the state, but no deaths or serious injuries were reported.
Winds as high as 185km/h were recorded as it moved west across the top of Australia.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in WA
‘Not one phone call, letter… nothing’: Family’s distress over huge ‘redevelopment’ project at famous Perth cemetery
Family of young man killed in university glass roof collapse seek tough penalty
Rare spring deluge smashes records in dry inland WA
Car swallowed by sinkhole in Perth’s south after burst water main
