Tropical Cyclone Alfred is making its approach toward the Australian coast, threatening significant impacts across Queensland and New South Wales as it maintains its status as a Category 2 storm. The cyclone is currently advancing at 8 km/h and is anticipated to make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta late tomorrow night, or early Saturday morning. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for affected communities, particularly from Double Island Point to Grafton.
Evacuations are particularly urgent for residents of Lismore, where local officials have directed people to evacuate by 9 pm (AEDT) today due to the looming threat of flooding. Schools, businesses, and public transportation have closed, and many flights have been cancelled as residents take necessary precautions to ride out the storm safely.
Power outages have already affected over 13,000 homes and businesses across southeast Queensland, with the Gold Coast being the most impacted area. Energex reports about 10,000 outages on the Gold Coast and another 1,300 on the Sunshine Coast. Coochiemudlo Island is nearly entirely cut off, with around 700 outages affecting its small resident population.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the importance of preparedness, noting, "Everyone will have some level of impact but I really believe people have overwhelmingly done the little things right." He acknowledged the challenges posed by the cyclone, especially with wave heights reaching up to 12.3 meters off the coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of significant storm surge risks, life-threatening flooding, and heavy rainfalls potentially exceeding 800 mm over the next few days. This has prompted the QLD SES to deploy over one million sandbags to mitigate expected flooding.
Premier Crisafulli noted the state's preparedness, stating, "We’ve prepositioned everything from generators to staff after anticipating this cyclone's path and impact." The Queensland government has activated emergency plans, assigning SES, police, and firefighting teams to assist with evacuations and community safety.
Emerging flood warnings have been issued for many localities as the cyclonic conditions evolve. Stuart Fisher, acting chief superintendent of the NSW SES, has urged residents not to underestimate the storm's potential impact. He explained, "The prediction is [for] coastal erosion, followed by strong winds, which will bring down the power lines and trees." Fisher's sentiments echoed throughout the community, reinforcing the need for evacuation.
Janelle Saffin, MP for Lismore, pleaded with her constituents to heed evacuation orders. "We all want you safe. Your family wants you safe, and we want you to leave,” she stated during a press conference aimed at rallying community cooperation. Saffin reassured residents they could take their pets with them to evacuation centers.
While the storm is causing havoc, numerous communities are banding together, demonstrating resilience and solidarity. Local emergency services are on heightened alert, prepared to respond to rising water levels and hazardous weather conditions. Public schools across New South Wales are closed, with more than 248 closed again for Friday due to safety concerns.
Despite the cyclone's slow advance—recent reports suggest it might not reach land until Saturday—authorities maintain their caution. Waves have continued to batter the coastline, creating hazardous conditions for beachgoers and surfers. Lifesavers reported several near misses along the shoreline, as increasing tides and eroding coastlines challenge safety measures.
Communities are also facing challenges with lost power and communication outages. The local governments are working tirelessly to keep residents informed and safe, as conditions continue to change rapidly.
Preparations for recovery are already underway. Jake Ellwood from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority indicated, "We have activated 12 councils from the Fraser Coast to the Gold Coast to make sure we are ready for cleanup post-cyclone. Cleanup is the priority as families cannot move on until they can begin addressing the damage." Institutional and community efforts combine to form the backbone of disaster response as residents brace for Cyclone Alfred's arrival.
Queensland firefighters have been redeployed from across the state to the southeast region to bolster response efforts once it is safe to do so. Emergency services remain on standby, ready to pivot quickly should flooding or other emergency situations arise.
Authorities have repeatedly cautioned individuals not to take unnecessary risks, especially concerning floodwaters, which pose significant dangers. Police and rescue agencies have underscored this message, urging residents to prioritize their safety and prepare accordingly.
With dangerous conditions likely extending throughout late Friday and early Saturday, those within the cyclone's projected path should remain vigilant and heed all safety advisories.
Every indicator suggests Cyclone Alfred will present substantial challenges to Queensland and New South Wales, and communities are reminded of the importance of staying informed, connected, and compliant with safety measures as the weather system draws near.