Home / Weather / Cyclone Narelle's Rare East-to-West Journey Threatens WA
Cyclone Narelle's Rare East-to-West Journey Threatens WA
23 Mar
Summary
- Ex-Cyclone Narelle is undertaking a rare east-to-west journey across Australia.
- The system is forecast to re-intensify into a severe cyclone near Perth.
- Record ocean temperatures likely contributed to Narelle's strength and path.
Communities in Australia's far north faced flood alerts as ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle embarked on a rare westward trajectory. The system, which weakened to a tropical low over the Northern Territory, is predicted to re-intensify into a severe cyclone by Wednesday evening. Forecasts suggest it could impact the Perth region by the weekend.
The cyclone's unusual east-to-west path, estimated at over 5,000km, is believed to be influenced by record ocean temperatures. This phenomenon is uncommon, with the last such crossing documented in 2000. Narelle is expected to move into the Indian Ocean before tracking south, potentially bringing much-needed rainfall to WA's agricultural areas.
While the Northern Territory experienced heavy rain and localized flooding, its chief minister noted the system's faster-than-expected passage. Meteorologists are tracking Narelle closely, anticipating gale-force winds and potential flooding as it approaches Western Australia. Uncertainty remains regarding its exact landfall, with models exploring various coastal crossing scenarios.
