What is the name and location of the cyclone?
As of March 26, 2026, Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is impacting Western Australia after previously moving across Queensland and the Northern Territory. (1)
The cyclone is currently located off the Pilbara coast near Karratha and Exmouth, bringing destructive weather conditions as it tracks along the western coastline. (2)
Which cities or areas are affected by the cyclone?
The cyclone is affecting a wide range of coastal and inland communities across Western Australia, particularly in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions:
Impacts are also expected to extend further south toward Perth, with heavy rainfall and flooding risks affecting broader regions.
What is the projected path and intensity of the cyclone?
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is currently a category 4 system and may intensify further, with a chance of reaching category 5 strength before landfall. (3)
The system is moving southwest along the Pilbara coast and is forecast to pass near Exmouth before turning south and making landfall along the Gascoyne coast, most likely near Denham between Friday evening and Saturday morning. (4)
After landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken as it tracks inland, though it will continue to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding across large parts of Western Australia.
Wind map of Tropical Cyclone Narelle on March 26, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued evacuation warnings and emergency alerts across several high-risk areas in Western Australia.
Residents in Exmouth and surrounding areas have been urged to evacuate if their homes are not cyclone-rated. Evacuation centers have been established, including facilities at Exmouth Shire Hall, to support those relocating to safer locations.
Tourists and visitors in towns such as Kalbarri and Northampton have been advised to leave immediately, as worsening conditions may make travel unsafe. Authorities have also warned that road closures and travel restrictions are likely as the cyclone intensifies.
Additionally, flood watches have been issued across multiple catchments, with risks of river rises, flash flooding, and potential community isolation as heavy rainfall continues. (5)
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
