Tropical Cyclone Alfred is poised to impact Queensland and northern New South Wales with severe weather, including damaging winds and heavy rainfall, as it approaches the coast. Millions of residents are being urged to prepare for the storm's arrival, which is expected to make landfall late Thursday, March 6, 2025, or early Friday, March 7, 2025.
Current satellite images captured by the Himawari-9 weather satellite reveal the formation and movements of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has intensified to category two strength with sustained winds of approximately 95 km/h and gusts reaching up to 130 km/h. The Bureau of Meteorology reported on March 4, 2025, at 7 pm AEST, the cyclone was situated about 550 km east of Brisbane and 520 km east of the Gold Coast, moving at approximately 17 km/h.
The cyclone’s track has shifted, with the crossing point now expected to align near Caloundra, about 90 km north of Brisbane. A tropical cyclone warning zone has been established from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, affecting areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballina.
Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging residents to "stay on their guard" and prepare for potential destruction. Over recent days, modelling from the Bureau indicated firm predictions of the cyclone's expected impact. "This is a really rare event for South East Queensland, but it is serious and it is happening, and we want Queenslanders to be prepared," he stated.
The system is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and significant swell, which could lead to severe coastal erosion. A seven-metre wave was recorded off North Stradbroke Island recently, highlighting the cyclone's power and potential impact. Authorities predict some pockets may receive up to 700 mm of rain, with Brisbane bracing for 400 mm, and the Gold Coast expected to endure 450 mm over the storm's duration.
On March 4, Mayor Adrian Schrinner of Brisbane warned residents to anticipate multiple power outages. He advised about the necessity of preparing supplies for potential disruptions, stating, "There is likely to be multiple power outages if we get the cyclones coming through, and we need to be ready with necessities." Next, Energy Queensland General Manager Kevin Lavender echoed these sentiments, mentioning business and households should prepare for extended outages due to the anticipated flooding and damage to the power network.
Weather experts, like Sky News Meteorologist Rob Sharpe, warn of significant rainfall and coastal erosion. “We will see some exceptional rainfall rates by the looks of things, with intense rain expected,” he unveiled during his forecasting on March 4. “I would not be surprised if some pockets see highs of 700 mm through this event.” On the Gold Coast, the anticipated rainfall totals include 120 mm on Thursday, 130 mm on Friday, and 100 mm on Saturday, concluding the storm’s immediate effects.
Meanwhile, northern New South Wales is also preparing for heavy rainfall, with predicted intensities approaching one meter over three days, particularly affecting areas just south of the Queensland border. Flood watch alerts have been issued for the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions, which are still recovering from catastrophic flooding experienced in 2022. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore noted isolated downpours might yield as much as 800 mm of rain.
Local leaders expressed concerns about the community's readiness and the possibility of severe flooding. Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said, “Already we have got some businesses and residents started packing up and preparing. We are hoping this is not realized from the cyclone.” This spike in concern reflects trauma from past flooding, as community members face the threat of another natural disaster.
Further north, the Sunshine Coast community is actively preparing for Alfred's arrival. The Local Disaster Management Group, led by Chair Rosanna Natoli, is urging residents to secure their properties and stay informed about weather updates. She noted, "Flooding will be caused by the storm surge...and significant rain over several days, coupled with damaging winds." High tide predictions exacerbate fears of flooding.
The Sunshine Coast has set up operational plans for shelters and is distributing sandbags to residents to help mitigate potential flooding. Mayor Natoli confirmed, "The SES has so far distributed more than 40,000 sandbags, with more on the way. Together we have to be ready for this storm," urging community members to collect sandbags proactively.
By March 4, 2025, it was clear from official data and models, including reports from the Bureau of Meteorology, Tropical Cyclone Alfred will not just impact Queensland but could also create rain and surf disturbances as far south as Sydney. Hazardous surf conditions and coastal erosion alerts have been issued, prompting surf conditions to become increasingly dangerous along the coastline.
Numerous seasonal links to the cyclone and its wrath translate to extensive community preparation. While many prepare as best they can, authorities continue to warn against panic buying, focusing on logistic support through existing transport routes to maintain stock levels.
Premier Crisafulli urged, “It’s not so much about panic, but about preparation and taking the storm seriously.” With nostalgia from 2022’s devastating floods fresh on many minds, residents are determined to face this weather challenge together.
Looking forward, the coming days will be important as Cyclone Alfred approaches and takes its course toward the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales. Forecasts indicate intense scrutiny of rainfall and wind conditions, as the cyclone makes landfall and communities prepare for any potential fallout from the storm.