Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently moving away from the Queensland coast, but meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predict it will turn back toward Brisbane by Tuesday. This cyclone has brought severe weather warnings for southern Queensland and parts of northeast New South Wales, with damaging surf and gale-force winds expected to impact these regions.
According to BoM, "Alfred is forecast to turn to the southeast tonight, taking it farther away from the Queensland coast. From Tuesday it is forecast to turn west, toward the southern Queensland coast." Although the cyclone has weakened from category 3 to category 2, it is anticipated to quickly lose even more strength once it makes landfall, likely dropping below tropical cyclone status.
Despite the weakening conditions, residents along the southern Queensland and northeast New South Wales coasts are advised to prepare for significant impacts. The bureau warned of "a large and powerful to potentially damaging easterly swell, as well as abnormally high tides, are developing." Exposed beaches have already been severely affected, with coastal erosion reported at locations such as Bribie Island and Alexandra Headland on the Sunshine Coast, where the shoreline is almost cut in half.
Given the weather's severity, authorities have issued strong warnings urging people to stay clear of coastal water activities. Shane Chelepy, Deputy Commissioner for Queensland Police, stated, "People should avoid swimming and surfing at beaches along these watch zones, or walking near surf-exposed areas, to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions." The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has also advised campers on K’gari to evacuate to safety as conditions worsen.
There are alerts for coastal erosion and wind damage, with wind gusts expected to reach 80 km/h around K’gari. This storm's impact is anticipated to extend down to northern New South Wales starting Monday. The areas are under gale wind warnings until Monday for the Capricornia Coast up to the Sunshine Coast, so those living there are advised to stay updated on the situation.
Adding another layer to the story, Aurimas Mockus, a Lithuanian man rowing from California to Brisbane, was reported to have activated his emergency beacon due to trouble with the rough seas. At the time, he was approximately 740 kilometers east of Mackay and 90 kilometers west of Cyclone Alfred. Mockus was dealing with 80 km/h winds and hefty swells when he called for help, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
While initially untraceable by rescuers, Mockus was eventually contacted by the Royal Australian Air Force, as HMAS Choules, a 16,000-tonne navy landing ship, made its way from Brisbane to assist. Rescuers are maintaining communications with Mockus, who reported feeling tired but safe at the time.
Back at the coast, forecasts have indicated 150 to 200 mm of rainfall if Alfred makes landfall as expected on Thursday or Friday as originally projected. Authorities are particularly concerned about the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, which could see major inundations as well as damages from gale-force winds and high surf.
To add to the mix, the AFL’s opening round could be disrupted by this natural disaster, as it coincides with Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s expected landfall. The Bureau has pointed out the rarity of such weather impacts on significant events, stating, "Severe coastal hazards are likely for southern Queensland and northeast New South Wales this week." It has been over 30 years since a tropical cyclone has made landfall as a categorized system in this southeastern part of Queensland.
With the AFL's anticipated opening match between Brisbane and Geelong scheduled for Thursday evening, fans and players alike are urged to monitor developments closely. This situation serves as not just another weather event but highlights the resilience and preparation necessary for communities facing these natural phenomena. Stay tuned and stay safe!