Cyclone Narelle: Storm downgraded but WA still lashed as damage toll emerges

The monster storm that ripped through WA has been downgraded — but its destructive trail is only just emerging.

Narelle is no longer a tropical cyclone, weakening into a fast-moving tropical low as it charges south across the State.

At last check, the system was sitting over the Gascoyne, east of Geraldton, still whipping up wind gusts of up to 100km/h.

It comes after Narelle tore down the coast as a category 4 system, smashing towns in its path.

In Exmouth, winds above 250km/h shredded roofs, cut power and flooded homes, forcing dozens to flee a damaged evacuation centre.

Further south, Carnarvon was engulfed by a bizarre ochre dust storm as destructive winds lashed the town.

The cyclone crossed near Coral Bay before weakening — but not before leaving widespread damage across the Pilbara and Gascoyne.

Authorities warn the full extent is still unfolding.

“We’re expecting some pretty significant damage,” Department of Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm said.

It means the danger has shifted inland.

A severe weather warning remains across large parts of WA, including the southern Gascoyne, Goldfields and inland South West as the remnants dump rain and drive damaging winds through regional areas.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Helen Reid said Perth was starting to see a break.

After a soaking morning, conditions are expected to ease later on Saturday as the storm system moves away.

“As that low keeps tracking south, winds will swing into a lighter westerly,” she said.

“The rain will be easing … there’s still a chance of thunderstorms but that westerly change signals most of the rain has gone.”

Earlier fears of a record-breaking Perth drenching have also disappeared, with the heaviest falls tracking north and east of the city.

The system is expected to race towards the south coast by early Sunday, weakening further as it goes — but not before spreading wild weather deep into the State.

It is expected to cross back into the ocean somewhere between Albany and Esperance.