Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is threatening several Aboriginal communities across Cape York and the eastern Northern Territory, with Indigenous councils and local organisations warning residents to prepare for destructive winds, flooding and possible evacuation.
The category 5 system was east of Cape York on Thursday afternoon and was forecast to cross the Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Cape Melville on Friday morning before tracking west across the Peninsula and into the Gulf.
Its projected path places Aboriginal communities including Lockhart River, Aurukun, Mapoon and areas around Weipa and Pormpuraaw in the zone of likely impact, while Numbulwar and nearby Top End communities are bracing for the cyclone later in the weekend.
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council issued a public emergency warning as the cyclone closed in on the east coast of the Cape.
Queensland Police shared the council's alert, which told residents to "PREPARE NOW for Tropical Cyclone Narelle."
The alert also urged people to put away or tie down outside items and make plans to stay with family or friends if needed.
Aurukun Shire Council also shared warnings as the cyclone threat grew across western Cape York.
A public emergency alert for the community said Aurukun may be affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and warned residents to get ready for possible impacts.
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council also issued warnings as communities on the western side of the Peninsula were told to prepare while the system was expected to move inland and into the Gulf.
Warnings were also issued for Weipa and Coen as authorities widened the area at risk across the Peninsula.
On the Northern Territory side, concern is growing for remote Aboriginal communities including Numbulwar as the cyclone is forecast to re-intensify over the Gulf before moving towards the eastern Top End.
SecureNT and NT emergency authorities issued watch advice for communities between Port McArthur and south of Nhulunbuy, including Numbulwar and Groote Eylandt.
The strongest action announced so far in the Territory relates to Numbulwar, where authorities have moved to evacuate residents ahead of the cyclone's expected arrival.
Public reporting on the operation said the evacuation was being carried out as a "precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all residents."
With Lockhart River, Aurukun, Mapoon and Numbulwar all facing the threat at different stages of the cyclone's path, Indigenous councils and local organisations are already at the centre of the emergency response.
