Severe weather continues to affect Queensland and northern New South Wales following the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred over the weekend. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and power outages, affecting more than 300,000 homes across both states.
On March 9, 2025, it was reported over 300,000 households, including approximately 100,000 on the Gold Coast, were without electricity as crews worked to restore power. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli informed the public about the severe impact, stating, "We don’t have restoration info for most areas. Nor can we give updates on individual premises or areas via social media—this info simply isn't available until we understand the impacts of this new overnight damage." This dramatic statement highlights the chaos following the cyclone's impact.
Schools across Queensland and NSW faced closures due to significant damage and safety concerns. Premier Crisafulli announced on March 9, “Hundreds of schools across the state will remain closed until it is safe to do so.” He urged parents to check for updates on school statuses. Approximately 685 schools, ranging from state to independent and Catholic institutions, were confirmed to close, throwing plans for NAPLAN testing to be rescheduled.
Meanwhile, the NSW State Emergency Service recorded over 6,000 calls for assistance on the same day, addressing flood rescues and emergency responses across affected areas. "The situation is fluid," stated NSW Premier Chris Minns, as he also adjusted flood warnings, lifting some for Lismore but maintaining them for other areas like Grafton, due to the local Clarence River swelling. He mentioned, “This is still not over,” affirming the need for continued monitoring and assistance.
Authorities faced considerable challenges, with the National Broadband Network announcing significant disruptions—around 252,000 services out of action, primarily due to power outages. Both Telstra and Optus reported severe impacts on their networks, with hundreds of mobile sites falling offline. These telecommunication issues compounded the challenges faced by emergency responders.
Extensive rainfalls recorded from the cyclone slowed recovery efforts, with Hervey Bay receiving more than 300 mm within hours, according to Bureau of Meteorology’s Sue Oates, who emphasized, “It continues to pack a punch.” This level of rainfall has been attributed to the high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea, mixing with cyclone conditions.
The cyclone's effects also resulted in tragic consequences. A man, 61-year-old Tommy Cook, tragically lost his life after being swept away by rising floodwaters near Dorrigo on March 8. The situation across Queensland led to school closures, disrupted daily life, and threats to infrastructure as local councils advised residents to remain vigilant and safe.
Compounding these events, twelve Australian Defence Force personnel found themselves hospitalized due to serious injuries incurred during their response to the cyclone. It was reported they were involved in a vehicular accident near Lismore. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed gratitude for the ADF members' bravery, stating, “These men and women are heroes who were on their way to help people in need.”
With both states grappling with the aftermath of the cyclone, recovery efforts are expected to be extensive. Energex and other electricity restoration teams are still working diligently, having already reconnected approximately 40,000 homes since the storm's onset. Premier Crisafulli emphasized the scale of the operation, sharing, “Since the start of this event, we are looking at somewhere in the order of 450,000 homes and businesses experiencing power loss, and as of now, it’s still over 300,000.”
The ripple effects of ex-Cyclone Alfred extend far beyond immediate damage. Insurance companies report thousands of claims flowing through, triggering what has been labeled as an “insurance catastrophe,” according to the Insurance Council of Australia. The chief executive officer, Andrew Hall, indicated they anticipate many more claims as residents assess damage to their homes.
Flash flooding warnings persist across southern Queensland and northern NSW. Reports indicate instances of people wading through floodwaters and posing risks not only to their safety but also to the emergency workers attempting rescues. Emergency services are urging the public to adhere strictly to safety guidelines, as efforts to mitigate damage and facilitate recovery continue.
Despite the adverse conditions, community resilience becomes evident as residents band together to navigate the crisis. Local councils, SES volunteers, and emergency services continue to work round-the-clock, responding to incidents and aiding those most affected by the cyclone.
Looking forward, both Premier Crisafulli and Premier Minns emphasized the importance of staying informed. With the cyclical nature of severe weather in the region, authorities remain on high alert as they prepare for potential future flooding and severe rainfalls. The Bureau of Meteorology expects weather conditions to begin easing by March 11, bringing with it hope for restoration and recovery.