Tropical Cyclone Alfred is rapidly approaching southeastern Queensland, prompting urgent warnings and preparation efforts by officials. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has emphasized the need for residents to be ready for potentially severe weather conditions as the cyclone threatens densely populated areas for the first time in fifty years.
During a press conference on Monday, Crisafulli stated, "Please be prepared," underscoring the increasing likelihood of the cyclone crossing the Queensland border. He noted, "The likelihood of the cyclone crossing the Queensland border has increased," as the powerful system looms off the coast. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecasted the cyclone to make landfall between Bundaberg and just south of the Queensland/New South Wales border.
Health services across the region are on high alert, with additional emergency crews deployed to respond to any emergencies stemming from the storm’s impending impact. Alongside these preparations, Crisafulli confirmed schools and airports would remain open for now but urged residents to stay informed as conditions worsen.
With dangerous conditions expected, residents living on islands and within bays have been strongly advised to evacuate soon. Crisafulli stressed the situation's seriousness, stating: "There will come a point where it'll be too late to leave those islands," as reported by Shane Chelepy, State Disaster Coordinator. Evacuations are being prioritized for island communities to mitigate risks as the cyclone nears.
Authorities have warned residents to begin sandbagging efforts, particularly low-lying communities and those near coastlines. The cyclone is currently categorized as Category 1 but is fluctuated between Category 1 and Category 2 as it moves south-east at about 20 km/h. With winds recorded at 95 km/h and gusts potentially reaching 130 km/h, the coastal areas are at risk of experiencing damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Conditions are already deterioriating, with the system generating waves up to 15 meters along the southern Queensland coast, leading to significant coastal erosion from K'gari to the Gold Coast. Consequently, Marine Rescue Queensland has advised boaters against fishing or venturing out on the water as the cyclone approaches.
Crisafulli highlighted the peculiar nature of this impending cyclone, stating, "This is certainly an event... but it isn't unprecedented, and I am asking Queenslanders to be ready for it." The state has not seen such significant threats since Cyclone Zoe made landfall back in 1974. With this cyclone’s forecasted path leaning closer to Brisbane, towns south of the city are under particularly serious threat of intense rainfall and wind conditions.
Shipping operations at the Sunshine Coast’s Mooloolaba have halted, and two cruise ships have had to seek alternative docking ports. Ferry services to islands are expected to cease within the next 24 to 36 hours as the cyclone approaches, presenting logistical challenges to those residing on the islands.
Preparations are not limited to evacuations; state authorities are proactively deploying generators, health professionals, and emergency services to potential impact zones. Schools across the region remain open but have been warned of likely closures depending on how the cyclone develops.
Local residents are being reminded of the significance of the event, with Crisafulli’s statements alerting them to the historical weight of Cyclone Alfred. He remarked, "This is certainly an event... but it isn't unprecedented, and I am asking Queenslanders to be ready for it," reiterates the need for communities to engage seriously with the warnings and preparation efforts put forth by leaders.
With the threat of the cyclone looming, authorities are working diligently to keep residents informed and safe. This situation remains tense as Queensland braces for the impact of Alfred, representing the first significant cyclone threat to southeastern Queensland’s coast since 1974. Encouraging preparedness and vigilance as the storm nears, officials are implementing emergency measures across regions likely to be affected.
The overall message from officials is clear: act now, stay informed, and prepare for what could be the first direct hit from a cyclone on this part of Australia for the first time in decades. Queenslanders are urged to heed this warning as they navigate the weeks leading up to the cyclone's arrival.