Tropical Cyclone Narelle threatens Queensland, NT, and potential WA landfalls with severe impacts

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Key details reported by multiple sources:

• Tropical Cyclone Narelle formed in the Coral Sea and is expected to make landfall in Far North Queensland between Cooktown and Lockhart River on Friday, initially as a category four system (ABC 1, 10, 13, 19, 20).
• The cyclone is forecast to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria and make a second landfall in the Northern Territory, likely near Groote Eylandt or Borroloola, over the weekend (ABC 2, 4, 12, 13, 19).
• There is a potential for a third landfall in Western Australia next week, though the path remains uncertain (ABC 4, 11, 13).
• The system is expected to bring destructive wind gusts of up to 230 km/h near its core, with rainfall totals of 100–300 mm in some areas (ABC 1, 4, 11, 13, 19).
• Cape York Peninsula, including Coen and Lockhart River, is in the direct path of the cyclone, with residents urged to prepare for extreme winds and flooding (ABC 1, 5, 14, 19).
• The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a cyclone watch for Far North Queensland as early as today (ABC 1, 10, 13).
• Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensified to a category five system briefly but is expected to weaken slightly to category four before landfall (ABC 11, 18, 19).
• The cyclone is moving west at approximately 20 km/h and is currently located around 500–515 km east-northeast of Cooktown (ABC 10, 11, 19).
• Residents in Coen and Lockhart River are preparing for potential damage to older buildings and infrastructure due to lack of cyclone shelters (ABC 5, 14, 19).
• The Northern Territory is bracing for heavy rain and possible flooding in areas already affected by recent floods, including Katherine (ABC 2, 12, 13).
• The last tropical cyclone to make three separate landfalls in Australia was Severe Tropical Cyclone Ingrid in 2005 (ABC 4).
• The Coral Sea has seen record high ocean temperatures, contributing to the rapid intensification of Cyclone Narelle (ABC 11, 16).
• Evacuations have been carried out in remote communities like Port Stewart and Lizard Island (ABC 19, 20).
• The Daintree River and surrounding areas have experienced recent flooding, damaging boats and infrastructure (ABC 1, 7).
• The Northern Territory Flood Recovery Fund, announced by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, includes $100 million for infrastructure repairs (ABC 2).
• The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a high chance of heavy rainfall and flooding in Cape York Peninsula and the North Tropical Coast (ABC 1, 4, 7).
• The cyclone is expected to bring storm surges and dangerous ocean conditions to coastal areas (ABC 19, 20)