Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reported that the tropical cyclone, which had been downgraded to a category 2, moved away from Cape York’s east coast, just south of Aurukun overnight. Despite its reduced intensity, it still brought “significant winds and considerable rainfall” to the area.

“The cyclone skillfully navigated between Coen and Lockhart River before veering just south of Aurukun as it moved off the Cape’s western side,” Crisafulli explained.

The cyclone, named Narelle, is expected to regain strength to a category 3 storm near Groote Eylandt around 1 a.m., before making landfall on the eastern Top End coast, likely between Birany Birany and Numbulwar.

Forecasts predict that these regions could experience destructive winds reaching up to 185 km/h, along with heavy rainfall.

Groote Eylandt, and possibly areas like Nhulunbuy and Nathan River, are at risk of facing winds as strong as 160 km/h, accompanied by significant rainfall and potential flash flooding.

As the system progresses inland across the Top End, it is expected to gradually decrease in strength to category 2 and subsequently to category 1 by tomorrow and into Monday.

Katherine residents are on flood alert for the second time in weeks, with Narelle’s path tending towards the town.

Authorities are warning the river could again rise rapidly across the course of tomorrow afternoon and evening.

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