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Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle

4:30pm Wednesday 30 April 2026

Tropical Cyclone Narelle impacted the Northern Territory from 21 March 2026, crossing the coast between Nhulunbuy and Numbulwar as a Category 3 system, and weakening as it crossed the Top End, passing to Joseph Bonaparte Gulf on 23 March.

The system brought damaging winds, heavy rains and renewed flood risks across the region.

Boil water alerts

A boil water alert remains in place for Daly River.

Palumpa boil water alert lifted:

  • the boil water alert (Advice No 1) provided on 6 March 2026 at 3:30pm for Palumpa (Nganmarriyanga) is cancelled
  • the water supply system in Palumpa is now working properly, and the water is safe to drink
  • water quality test results from samples collected on the 27 April 2026 show that the water is free of any bacteria.

Schools

All NT Government schools in Katherine are open. Wugularr, Jilkminggan and Laynhapuy Homelands schools reopened for classes for Term 2.

A small number of schools remain closed with assessments being undertaken.

Students and staff safety and wellbeing remains a priority and when it is safe to do so, schools will reopen.

School closures

RegionSchool
Big Rivers
  • Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa)
  • Woolianna

Financial help

A range of financial supports are available to eligible Territorians and Territory organisations to provide assistance.

To learn more, read financial help.

Media releases

Page last updated 30 April 2026

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