Tropical Cyclone Narelle has weakened after crossing the coast in northern Australia for the second time as it barrels towards already sodden Top End communities. The cyclone was downgraded to a category-two system on Sunday morning shortly after passing over Cape Shield in remote eastern Arnhem Land. Cyclone Narelle crossed Cape York in far-north Queensland on Friday as a category-four system - the second-highest classification. There is a moderate chance that Narelle redevelops into a tropical cyclone while in the gulf and near the border with Western Australia. Narelle is the first cyclone to hit the area in more than a year and lessons have been learned from previous experiences.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 21, 2026 23:59 UTC