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Update 22: Ex-Cyclone Narelle

4pm Thursday 2 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

Boil water alerts remain in place for Daly River and Palumpa.

Schools

All NT Government schools in Katherine are open.

A small number of schools in East Arnhem, Big Rivers remote and Top End regions 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.

Wugularr School remains activated as an evacuation centre, with the Department of Education and Training supporting the Welfare Group.

School closures

RegionSchool
East Arnhem
  • Laynhapuy Homelands School
Big Rivers
  • Wugularr – operating as evacuation centre
  • Jilkminggan
  • Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa)
  • Woolianna

Financial help

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Media releases

Page last updated 15 April 2026

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