19/03/2026
⚠️ OUTDATED INFORMATION ⚠️
👉 Do not rely on this post — check the Arirrki page for the latest update
⚠️ Tropical Cyclone Narelle update ⚠️
⚠️ Arirrki Community update 5 - 10:45am 19th March 2026 ⚠️
Things have continued to develop overnight, with Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensifying further.
The Bureau of Meteorology has now confirmed that Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is a Category 5 system in the Coral Sea, located east of Cape York Peninsula.
The system is expected to:
• Cross Far North Queensland on Friday morning as a severe system
• Move west across Cape York (weakening over land but remaining a cyclone)
• Then track into the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it is forecast to re-intensify before approaching the NT coast over the weekend
📍 What this means for Groote
• Groote Eylandt remains within the potential impact zone
• There is an increasing likelihood of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal effects
• Conditions may begin to deteriorate from late Saturday into Sunday
• The exact track and intensity near Groote Eylandt remain uncertain
📍 Numbulwar Evacuation
Authorities have confirmed that Numbulwar is being evacuated as a precaution.
👉 This is ahead of possible isolation from rising water levels and to reduce risk to the community during the event
👉 At this stage, this evacuation applies to Numbulwar only
👉 There has been no advice regarding evacuation for Groote Eylandt
⚠️ Territory Advice (SecureNT)
Authorities are advising that communities across the Gulf and Top End should prepare now.
• Coastal communities, including Groote Eylandt, are considered within a potential impact area
• There is a heightened flood risk due to already saturated catchments
• Even moderate rainfall may lead to rapid river rises and renewed flooding
⚠️ What to expect (NT outlook)
• The system is expected to re-intensify once it enters the Gulf
• There is potential for widespread rainfall across the Top End from late weekend into early next week
• There is an increased risk of flooding, isolation, and road closures in some areas
📡 Information Sources
Arirrki is monitoring multiple sources, however our primary references remain the Bureau of Meteorology and SecureNT.
We will continue to provide updates to the Groote community as the situation develops.
✅ Practical Preparation (No Panic Required)
Now is the time to:
• Have at least 3–4 days of food and water
• Check torches, batteries, and emergency supplies
• Keep phones charged
• Secure loose outdoor items and clear gutters
• Ensure you have important documents and medications ready
• Check on elders and family members
⚠️ Final Note
There is no need to panic, however this is now a significant and developing weather event.
Please stay informed, follow official advice, and most importantly — look out for one another.
👉 The next official update from BOM is expected at 1:30pm ACST
👉 Arirrki will provide a further community update shortly after
🌀 Estimated Forecast Map
This map shows the Bureau’s current forecast track and range of likely paths.
It is not a single confirmed track, and conditions can change quickly.
Please continue to follow official updates from BOM and SecureNT.
