The Digester
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Tropical Cyclone Narelle to make landfall in Western Australia as destructive storm

Narelle has already hit far north Queensland and the Northern Territory and is set to make landfall on Western Australia Friday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain that could cause flash flooding in Perth.

Mar 27th 2026 · Australia

Insights

  • Landfall is expected Friday between Coral Bay and Cape Cuvier and the system may cross as a category three or four cyclone.
  • The Bureau of Meteorology reported Narelle 40 km west south-west of Exmouth and said it had started to weaken but could remain category four for hours.
  • Very destructive wind gusts up to 250 km/h are expected along the west coast toward Coral Bay and Cape Cuvier.
  • Perth and the southwest could receive 50 to 100 mm of rain over Friday and Saturday, creating a risk of flash flooding.
  • A flood watch is in place from Exmouth to the Swan River near Perth.
  • The federal government has offered assistance and scientists link Narelle's rapid intensification to unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Coral Sea.

Sources