Residents of southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales are bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is set to make landfall early Saturday morning.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, as of 7pm AEST on March 7, 2025, Alfred was positioned 95 kilometers east of Brisbane, traveling at 6 km/h as it remained classified as a category 2 system. The cyclone is expected to cross the Moreton Bay Islands on Saturday morning and make its way to the mainland, impacting areas from Noosa to Beenleigh later the same day.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have already begun wreaking havoc across the region. By Friday evening, Alfred had intensified conditions, leaving more than 260,000 people without power due to damaged infrastructure.
Emergency warnings have been issued across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, urging residents to find shelter. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shifted his focus away from the potential April 12 election date to address the looming crisis posed by Alfred.
Emergency response officials are monitoring the situation closely, especially as the cyclone approaches flood-prone areas. The Richmond Valley Council has already alerted residents of Casino about the risk of sewerage overflow due to capacity issues linked to heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, significant beach erosion has been observed along the Gold Coast, raising safety concerns.
Videos captured by locals on TikTok show dramatic scenes of nature’s fury, including trees catching fire during the cyclone's outer bands and creating mini-explosions.
"Cyclone Alfred is just hours away, and Mr. Whippy is out here hustling," noted one Gold Coast resident, humorously documenting how even ice cream vendors are braving the weather.
Despite warnings, many thrill-seekers are defying the advisories to witness the intense cyclonic conditions firsthand, potentially endangering themselves.
On the agricultural front, farmers on the North Coast are busy relocating animals to safety as preparations for Alfred ramp up. New South Wales Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, expressed appreciation for the proactive measures taken by farmers, stating, "We thank people for being prepared for this kind of scenario. People have been moving their animals and enacting their plans across this region."
The storm has raised alarm among residents still recovering from previous flooding disasters. Just over two years after Lismore experienced record floodwaters, authorities are on high alert to avoid casualties. Premier Chris Minns stressed the need for community solidarity as they brace for the unknowns of Alfred's path.
Reflecting on the potential impact, meteorologists have warned residents of significant rainfall, predicting totals between 350 and 450 millimeters within 24 hours. This could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.
By Friday morning, Cyclone Alfred had weakened slightly but was moving toward the coast with ferocious wind gusts. Communities across Brisbane, from established suburbs to those near rivers, are advised to seek refuge immediately.
Residents marked their calendars for Saturday morning as the projected time for landfall approaches, adding extra urgency to prepare emergency supplies and secure windows and doors. Evacuation centers have been established for those who need shelter.
Authorities have warned of the dangers posed by closed and dangerous beaches, with fines for disobeying these advisories reaching up to $16,000. The risk of storm surge-induced flooding remains high, especially as high tide coincides with the cyclone's impact.
The cyclone's unusual track south has made it the most southerly storm to affect the area since the 1970s, and experts are keeping close tabs on the shifting conditions. The last significant cyclone to affect the southern regions was Cyclone Zoe back in 1974, and Alfred's arrival has caused palpable nervousness among residents who are not only preparing their homes but also their mental readiness for the worst.
Prime Minister Albanese addressed communities directly, stating, "When nature does its worst, Australians are at our best. We rally. We lift each other up. We look out for our neighbors."
With communities coming together, and emergency services pre-positioned and ready to respond, the fate of over four million residents now hinges on the next steps taken as Cyclone Alfred approaches. Continuous monitoring and updates are provided by local authorities ensuring residents are well-informed throughout this precarious situation. Residents are advised to remain alert as Cyclone Alfred nears, with warnings set to be conveyed to affected areas continuously.