Cyclone Narelle: Flood Alert Continues in North QLD, Central Australia on High Alert

Far North Queensland is grappling with significant flooding as Tropical Cyclone Narelle moves further out to sea. The associated monsoon trough continues to bring torrential rainfall, hindering recovery efforts in the Daintree, Mossman, and Cairns regions. Meanwhile, Central Australia and the Barkly region are under an emergency declaration due to a tropical low causing heavy rain and rising river levels. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential isolation and flash flooding. ## Latest Update Far North Queensland is still under flood alert as recovery begins from Cyclone Narelle. Although the cyclone has moved offshore, heavy rains persist, and emergency services are responding to numerous calls. The risk of life-threatening flash flooding remains high for the next 24 to 48 hours. ## Timeline * **2026-02-26:** Gulf of Carpentaria residents face prolonged isolation due to ongoing floodwaters, with supplies running low. * **2026-03-02:** Emergency powers invoked in Central Australia and the Barkly region due to heavy rain and flooding risks. * **2026-03-02:** A tropical low forms in the Coral Sea, posing a cyclone threat to Queensland, with rivers rising and falling unpredictably. * **2026-03-03:** The tropical low in the Coral Sea is expected to intensify, bringing heavy rain and cyclone risk to the Queensland coast. * **2026-03-05:** A tropical low is expected to cross the Queensland coast, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to already saturated areas. * **2026-03-19:** Category five Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaches Cape York Peninsula, with residents urged to take shelter. * **2026-03-20:** Far North Queensland remains on flood alert as clean-up begins after Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with continued heavy rainfall. ## What to Watch * Continued rainfall in Far North Queensland could exacerbate flooding and hinder recovery efforts. * The trajectory of the tropical low in Central Australia and its potential to cause further flooding and isolation of communities. * Monitor weather updates and heed warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology regarding potential flash flooding and river rises.