Residents across South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales are bracing for severe weather conditions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred strengthens, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous surf.
The system, which intensified to a Category 2 cyclone, is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, with Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in its projected path.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for damaging winds exceeding 120 km/h, flash flooding, and widespread coastal erosion. Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are forecast to experience days of extreme weather, with heavy rainfall expected to exceed 300mm in some areas.
City Services and Businesses Shut Down Ahead of Storm
In preparation for the cyclone’s arrival, Brisbane City Council has suspended all CityCat and ferry services to safeguard vessels. Gold Coast theme parks, including Movie World and Sea World, have also announced temporary closures from Wednesday to Friday to ensure visitor and staff safety.
Emergency services are urging residents to prepare for extended power outages, with energy providers warning that restoration efforts could take several days due to strong winds and flooding.
Extreme Surf Conditions Expected
The cyclone is already generating waves up to 10 meters high along Brisbane and Gold Coast beaches. Authorities have issued strong warnings against beach activities, swimming, and boating, with dangerous surf conditions likely to persist through the weekend. Coastal erosion is also a major concern, particularly in low-lying beachside communities.
Evacuation Warnings and Emergency Preparedness
Authorities are closely monitoring flood-prone areas, and evacuation orders may be issued if conditions worsen. The Queensland Government has activated state emergency response teams, urging residents to take precautions by securing their properties, preparing emergency kits, and staying updated on weather advisories.
“We are urging residents in at-risk areas to prepare now. Secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure you have enough supplies to last for at least a few days,” a Queensland Emergency Services spokesperson said.
Days of Chaos Ahead
With 600,000 homes potentially at risk, authorities predict massive infrastructure damage, power outages, and road closures across the affected regions. The aftermath of the cyclone could bring significant disruptions to transport, emergency response times, and essential services.
As Cyclone Alfred barrels toward the coast, residents are being urged to remain vigilant, stay indoors when the storm hits, and follow all official instructions. The coming days are expected to test the region’s resilience, with emergency crews on high alert for rescue and recovery operations.
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