Residents across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are bracing for the looming threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall within the next 48 hours, potentially impacting more than four million people. With forecasts predicting heavy rain and damaging winds, officials are urging residents to make decisive plans—either evacuate or prepare their homes for the storm.
On Monday evening, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) announced updates indicating Cyclone Alfred has intensified to a category 2 storm, with sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is currently located about 550 kilometers east of Brisbane and is expected to approach the southeastern Queensland coast around Thursday.
Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the urgency for residents, particularly those living on low-lying coastal areas and islands, to act quickly. "Time to safely evacuate before Alfred hit was running out for many Queenslanders," Crisafulli stated. He warned, "There will come a time where you either leave or stay; once the window closes, we will support people in whatever decision they make. But it is important you make your decision fairly soon, because the window will close."
A forecast issued late Monday night indicated the cyclone could strike anywhere between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with the potential for life-threatening flash flooding. Rainfall totals of 200 to 600 millimeters are expected across parts of southeast Queensland, raising alarms for possible severe flash flooding and significant coastal hazards.
Residents have responded to warnings with panic buying, leading to supermarket shelves being emptied of essentials such as bottled water, bread, and batteries as people ready themselves for the storm. Coles and Woolworths confirmed their operational teams have been working hard to replenish supplies, anticipating demand will continue to surge.
The Minister for Emergency Services, Chris Minns, echoed Crisafulli’s concerns about the cyclone's potential impact on both states. He said, "Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact the coast of NSW later this week. It's important the public prepares for the possibility of damaging winds, coastal erosion, and potentially major flooding."
Local authorities have established sandbagging stations throughout Brisbane, prompting long lines as residents queue to collect materials to safeguard their properties. Many are also advised to seal their homes from floodwater and secure loose items outdoors.
The prediction for Cyclone Alfred’s path is complicated by its unpredictable nature, characteristic of cyclones forming over the Coral Sea. Unlike other cyclone-prone areas, cyclones originating here often take erratic paths, which can make forecasting exceedingly difficult. Alfred briefly reached category 4 status before weakening but is now expected to gather strength again as it moves over warmer waters.
Kimba Wong, senior meteorologist with the BoM, pointed out, "A category 2 cyclone can bring more rain and flooding than a fast-moving category 5. The heaviest rainfall and greatest potential for severe flash flooding will occur south of where Cyclone Alfred makes landfall." Wong also noted the unusual intensity for this stage of the cyclone, attributing it to the warm water temperatures currently present off the southeast coast.
Preparations have intensified as Queensland’s government urges communities to review their emergency plans. Residents are being reminded of the importance of gathering non-perishable food, securing their homes, and determining whether they need to evacuate.
Meanwhile, Premier Crisafulli reassured the public, stating, "We are putting all the preparations in place and we’re asking Queenslanders to do the same. It is important people take this event seriously."
Emergency services across both states are mobilizing to prepare for the incoming storm. The NSW State Emergency Service is deploying additional resources to areas affected by flooding, ensuring they are ready to respond to any emergencies resulting from the cyclone’s impact.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the storm progresses toward the coastline. This will be one of the first cyclones to impact the population-dense areas of southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales since 1974. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated, as citizens are reminded to prioritize their safety and wellbeing.
With the cyclone set to make landfall soon, the focus remains on ensuring everyone is prepared, not only to protect personal property but also to look out for one another during these potentially perilous conditions. Cyclone Alfred serves as harsh reminder of nature’s unpredictable power, compelling communities to come together to face the incoming challenges.