Narelle was a tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea late Wednesday Australian Eastern time Time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said in its latest advisory. Flash flooding can occur well inland and away from the storm’s center. Even weaker storms can produce excessive rainfall that can flood low-lying areas.

Communities in the most northern parts of Queensland are bracing for "hurricane-force" winds as Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensifies off the coast.

Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully warned the system would cause large airborne debris, major structural damage, and property destruction.