Mar 19 β€’ 19:19 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Guardian

Australia news live: Tropical Cyclone Narelle dips below category-five strength hours before hitting Queensland coast

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is set to make landfall in Queensland as a high-end category four storm after slightly weakening overnight.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is approaching the Queensland coast, expected to hit near Cape York as a high-end category four storm, having weakened from category five. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that despite the slight downgrading, the cyclone poses a significant danger due to its sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 270 kilometers per hour. Emergency alerts have been issued for several communities, including Lockhart River, Port Stewart, and Coen, as the cyclone moves towards these areas.

Narelle is projected to make landfall between 7 am and 10 am Queensland time, and as it is about 110 kilometers from the town of Coen, preparations are vital for the residents in its path. The cyclone's trajectory shows it moving directly toward Coen at an approximate speed of 21 kilometers per hour. Though cyclones generally weaken upon reaching land, the current intensity of Cyclone Narelle suggests that it could still cause extensive destruction across Cape York.

As the storm approaches, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to adhere to emergency instructions. The impact of Cyclone Narelle could have substantial implications for infrastructure and local communities, prompting a response from emergency services to ensure the safety of those in the cyclone's path.

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