Canada shares major travel advisory update for Australia
Travellers from Canada heading to Australia are being warned of a possible safety risk in the latest travel advisory update.
The Government of Canada recently updated its travel advisory for Australia with information on the incoming Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
“Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to sweep Far North Queensland on March 19, 2026, before crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria and making landfall again in the Northern Territory on March 21,” reads the statement.
It could also potentially make landfall for the third time in Western Australia the following week, reports ABC News.
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According to the Bureau of Meteorology, tropical cyclones are low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters and can continue for days or weeks. Australia’s tropical cyclone season officially runs from Nov. 1 to April 30.
Travellers are being warned that the storm could bring excessive rain and violent winds, which might trigger flash floods and landslides. This could disrupt travel, electricity, water and food supplies, phone and internet services, as well as access to emergency and medical care. Anyone in the affected area is urged to be careful, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
“This might be the biggest system that many people have seen in living memory,” said Queensland Premier David Crisafulli during a press conference.
Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology estimates wind gusts of 200 to 250 km/h and 200 to 450 mm of rainfall. The storm is also expected to strengthen to a category five, which is considered “extremely dangerous with widespread destruction of buildings and vegetation.”
Authorities have been carrying out evacuation efforts in affected regions, including Lizard Island, a local holiday destination.
“We should not underestimate the potential for the loss of life,” warned Christopher Stream, deputy commissioner of the Queensland Police Service and the state’s disaster coordinator.
If you’re travelling abroad, make sure to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROC). This free and confidential service informs Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.