Update 4: Cyclone Narelle
Cyclone advice is now in place for much of the gulf region.
Listen to these pre-recorded messages.
Tropical Cyclone advice
1:50pm Friday 20 March 2026
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is moving west over central Cape York Peninsula.
Warning zone: Cape York Peninsula between Lockhart River and Cape Melville, and between Mapoon and Pormpuraaw, including Coen, Weipa, and Aurukun.
Watch zone: Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, including Borroloola, Numbulwar, Alyangula, Ngukurr, Gapuwiyak, Bulman and Ramingining.
Cancelled zone: Cape Melville to Coen (Queensland).
People between Port MacArthur and Nhulunbuy, and inland to Ngukurr should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
Prepare
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Secure NT website.
- Prepare your household emergency plan and kit PDF (535.7 KB) now.
- Stay informed by following SecureNT on Facebook or listen to ABC Local Radio.
- Monitor conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology website.
For emergency service in floods, storms or cyclones call 132 500.
Cyclone messaging
As Cyclone Narelle approaches the Northern Territory, the Cyclone advice is now in place for much of the gulf region.
For the information on this warning listen to these pre-recorded messages in English, East Side Kriol, Anindilwaka and Yolŋu Matha. Please share these through your channels as appropriate.
English
Yolngu-matha
Anindilyakwa
Kriol
Evacuation of Numbulwar
About 500 Numbulwar residents are being evacuated to Darwin.
A decision was made to evacuate the community as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all residents.
The Australian Defence Force has mobilised to assist with evacuations.
Residents will be accommodated at Nightcliff High School in the short term.
Nightcliff High School gym is a designated area as an evacuation staging centre.
Nightcliff High School staff will remain focused on teaching and learning and will not be required to work in the evacuation staging centre.
Temporary fencing and signage are in place and must be respected at all times. This area is out of bounds to students and non-authorised staff.
There may be increased police patrolling the area and will be security guards onsite. Student safety is paramount and remains the Education Department’s highest priority.
The school will continue operating, with appropriate supervision and no disruption to lessons.
All evacuation centres are off-limits to the public. Any visitors to the site must be approved by the Incident Controller. This is to protect the privacy of the evacuees.
Groote Eylandt
There is no decision to evacuate the island. The community is not being evacuated, as there are enough shelters and strong houses to shelter in place.
You are advised:
- Public shelters in Alyungula, Anurugu and Umbakumba will open tomorrow.
- GEMCO are self-evacuating as per their internal emergency plans.
- Decide now where you will take shelter if you have to. There will be an announcement if public shelters are opened. Pets cannot be taken to public shelters.
- Prepare your emergency kits – make sure you have everything you need for three days, including food, water and a battery-operated radio.
- Prepare your emergency plan now - including where you, your family and pets will shelter.
Flood risk
Most of the Big Rivers and Top End region is now under a flood advice.
Residents should be aware that Waterhouse and Katherine rivers may rise again and moderate to major flooding is again a possibility. Flood Watch and Act alerts are now in place for both rivers.
You are advised to:
- prepare your emergency kits and sandbags, which are available at the NTES Depot in Chandon Street from 8am-4pm today and tomorrow
- plan where you’ll stay if you evacuate
- stay informed of alerts and warnings on the Bureau of Meteorology app, SecureNT and listen to your local radio station.
Check the Road Report NT website for any closures and please drive to conditions.