Narelle triggers dark red skies across Shark Bay and Denham, Western Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle generated a widespread dust storm across arid regions of Western Australia after making landfall near the Gascoyne Coast on March 27, 2026. The event produced dark red sky conditions in Shark Bay and Denham, while severe flooding and multiple rescues were reported across affected regions.
Severe flooding in Carnarvon, Western Australia on March 29, 2026. Credit: DFES
Tropical Cyclone Narelle generated a widespread dust storm across arid regions of Western Australia after making landfall near the Gascoyne Coast on March 27, with wind gusts up to 195 km/h (121 mph).
Red sky conditions were reported in Shark Bay and Denham as strong winds lifted iron oxide-rich dust into the atmosphere. Flooding and multiple rescues were also reported across affected areas.
Narelle’s strong winds transported large quantities of dust inland following landfall, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in several regions.
The red sky phenomenon was caused by Rayleigh and Mie scattering. Under normal atmospheric conditions, shorter wavelengths of light scatter more efficiently, giving the sky its blue color.
During dust storms, larger mineral particles dominate scattering, allowing longer wavelengths such as red and orange to prevail. Iron oxide particles further enhance this effect, producing deep red or orange skies and limiting direct sunlight.
Narelle is reported to be the first tropical system in over 20 years to impact three Australian states — Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Comparable systems include Cyclone Ingrid (2005) and Cyclone Steve (2000).
“Such cyclones have been historically rare, but when they do occur, they tend to take a looping trajectory across Australia similar to Narelle’s path,” said Dr. Milton Speer, a fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former Bureau of Meteorology forecaster, speaking to The Guardian.
“Instead of moving within the tropical easterly trade winds in the monsoon trough, they can become embedded in mid-latitude westerlies,” he said. “They take time to curve southward, but once captured, they typically accelerate.”
Severe flooding continues across parts of Western Australia, with widespread damage reported in multiple areas.
Multiple rescues were conducted after floodwaters submerged roads and isolated communities. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) warned residents against traveling through flooded areas.
“This couple drove through road closures on North West Coastal Highway and became stranded in rising floodwater before being rescued and airlifted to Carnarvon. They were among 15 rescues across the Pilbara after people ignored road closures, putting lives at risk,” DFES said on March 30.
Authorities announced financial assistance under the Premier’s Relief Payment program. Payments of AUD 4 000 (approximately 2 744 USD) are available for properties severely damaged or destroyed, while AUD 2 000 (approximately 1 372 USD) is available for partial damage.
Exmouth was among the worst-hit areas, with severe damage reported at the local airport and flooding isolating the town.
The storm also impacted major gas production facilities, contributing to ongoing fuel supply disruptions in the region.
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I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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