Cyclone Narelle: Severe category 4 cyclone threatens lives and homes as BOM issues latest tracking map

People on the WA north coast are bracing for impact this evening as severe tropical cyclone Narelle — which has been upgraded to category 4 and is rapidly gaining strength — threatens lives and homes as it approaches the coast.

A warning zone for the category 4 cyclone was issued at 4.43pm for the area between Port Hedland and Northampton, including Karratha, Onslow, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Carnarvon, and Denham, and to Pannawonica and Murchison to the east.

A cyclone emergency warning was issued at 5pm on Thursday evening for Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands, as well as the area between Dampier and Onslow — not including Karratha — and Coral Bay.

“There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” the warning from Emergency WA said.

Emergency WA issued the following advice for West Aussies in the affected areas:

• Shelter indoors now.
• Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.
• Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed.
• Keep your emergency kit with you.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Narelle is generating winds of up to 175km/h, with gusts up to 250km/h, moving in a southwesterly direction at 18km/h.

“It is likely the far western Pilbara coast will experience severe impacts this evening and overnight, extending south to Denham during Friday,” a statement from BOM said.

Flash flooding is expected thanks to intense rainfall, as well as dangerous storm tides across the coast.

Evacuation centres have opened in Exmouth Shire Hall, Carnarvon PYC, and the Shark Bay Recreation Centre.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says it is “not certain” where Narelle will cross the WA coast.

““The cyclone is travelling in a south-westerly direction but once it moves near the North West Cape and curves southwards, even a slight change in track opens up different possibilities of where it could reach landfall,” DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said.

“It could be Exmouth, Carnarvon, Denham or even further south.

“With so much uncertainty it’s critical that people stay up to date with the latest information and take the necessary steps to prepare for severe weather.”

Wild images have emerged from the cyclone’s path, with everything from fallen trees to crashing swell being swept up in her fury.

Many schools have also been closed from Port Hedland to Geraldton.

Warning updates are available at the Emergency WA website and the Bureau of Meteorology.