Residents of parts of Queensland and Northern New South Wales are bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flooding as authorities warn of renewed weather threats following the devastating impact of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred. On March 23, 2025, multiple flood warnings were issued across Queensland as communities continue their recovery efforts from the cyclone that wreaked havoc just days earlier.
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that several regions, particularly Townsville and Lismore, will face aggressive weather conditions, with forecasts indicating significant rainfall that could exacerbate existing flood risks. According to the Bureau, Townsville is expected to experience rainfall totals between 30 to 50 millimeters over the weekend and into early next week. Residents in the area have been urged to stay alert, as heavy rainfall could lead to rapidly rising rivers and localized flash flooding in low-lying areas.
“The heavy rainfall is forecasted to continue in the region well into next week,” an official from the Bureau of Meteorology noted, stressing the importance of vigilance among residents in flood-prone regions. Flood watch warnings have been placed for various rivers within the Lake Eyre Basin and the Gulf of Carpentaria, along with minor flood warnings for rivers such as the Herbert, Tully, Murray, Ross, and Bohle.
As the ground remains saturated from ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, communities are once more grappling with the threats posed by impending heavy rain. Emergency services continue to remind the public not to drive through floodwaters and to keep an eye on evolving weather alerts.
Meanwhile, the impact of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred on Brisbane’s urban landscape is becoming increasingly apparent. Ten days after the cyclone struck, Brisbane City Council reported that workers had already addressed over 1000 tree jobs on public land. Carindale was identified as the hardest-hit suburb, with 28 areas needing attention, followed closely by Bracken Ridge, the Gap, Carseldine, and Zillmere, each with over 20 jobs still on their books.
In inner-city Teneriffe, one of the iconic fig trees lining the streets of heritage woolstore apartments fell onto a pub on the night Alfred crossed the coast north of Brisbane, creating significant wind gusts that reached up to 96 km/h. Days later, another Moreton Bay fig in the vicinity was also deemed unsafe, prompting a decision from council officials to remove damaged trees to prevent further risks to public safety.
Brisbane City Council has made it clear that these decisions are not taken lightly, as Central Ward Councillor Vicki Howard remarked on social media, “Council’s principal arborist has inspected this tree and made the appropriate but unfortunate decision to remove this tree. Please know that this decision was not made lightly, … the risk of ignoring the damage is simply too high.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community, as residents express a strong desire for immediate replacement of fallen trees, emphasizing their significance in maintaining the character and appeal of the neighborhood.
Jan Paterson, the vice president of the Queensland Arboricultural Association, spoke about the broader implications of tree health following such intense storms. “I give the analogy of a person driving in normal traffic; they’re pretty safe. But Alfred was like being hit by a Mack truck,” she explained, highlighting how even trees that meet regular safety standards can succumb to extreme weather conditions.
Paterson noted that while some species of trees have exhibited resilience, others have not fared as well. She urged homeowners to engage trade-qualified, insured arborists regularly, especially following severe weather events like Cyclone Alfred. “My best advice is to engage a trade-qualified, insured arborist every 12 to 18 months, and after a significant weather event such as Cyclone Alfred,” she advised to ensure safety and longevity of local tree populations.
As wet weather looms for Queensland and Northern New South Wales, the call for vigilance and preparedness is echoed among local officials. Authorities are encouraging residents to stay informed about the latest forecasts and weather warnings, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment and caution as conditions evolve. The potential for further flooding compounded by the recent cyclone damage serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the importance of community resilience in the face of it.
