The approach of Tropical Cyclone Alfred has residents of Queensland and northern New South Wales on edge as severe weather conditions threaten the area. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, actress Madeleine West, who resides with her six children in Byron Bay, expressed her fear on Instagram, stating, ‘I feel small, worried, and a bit scared.’ Her heartfelt message came as millions of residents were preparing for the approaching storm, which is expected to result in significant rainfall and damaging winds.
The cyclone, anticipated to strike as either a category one or two storm, is set to cross the Queensland coastline between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales by Thursday, March 6. Reports indicate it could bring 400-600 mm of rainfall, with some areas experiencing up to 800 mm. Authorities are urging residents to secure their properties and gather supplies as the cyclone moves closer.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reiterated the necessity of preparedness, reminding residents, ‘This part of the state has had its share of flooding challenges, and I believe people are paying heed to warnings.’ The last tropical cyclone to impact New South Wales was Cyclone Nancy back in 1990, making Alfred particularly memorable for those living along eastern Australia.
The severity of this impending cyclonic event is compounded by potential storm surges. Locals have been advised to evacuate coastal properties, with warnings of surges reaching up to one meter above normal tides. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner noted, ‘20,000 properties could be impacted by storm surges or significant flooding,’ identifying low-lying neighborhoods such as Nudgee Beach and Rocklea as particularly vulnerable.
The Bureau of Meteorology has kept up with the changing weather developments, detailing wind gusts of up to 130 km/h as the cyclone makes landfall. Deb Platts, Deputy Commissioner of the NSW SES, emphasized the unpredictability of Alfred, urging residents to stay alert and prepared for severe conditions. ‘There will be harmful winds, powerful surf, coastal erosion, and significant rain extending over days,’ she said.
To secure public safety, more than 500 schools across Queensland and New South Wales will be closed, and public transport is expected to halt operations as of Thursday. Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister, confirmed the readiness of Australian Defence Force assets to respond to the impending disaster, stating, ‘We are preparing for severe weather impacts and advise everyone to listen to emergency services.’
Residents have been stocking up on essentials, purchasing food, toilet paper, and bottled water as Tropical Cyclone Alfred bears down. Meanwhile, Leila McKinnon, another Byron Bay resident, showcased her preparations on social media, including items typically distant from cyclone safety lists, such as premium whisky. ‘I did a panic buy for Cyclone Alfred. Looks like we all decided we’re not facing Alf without bananas,’ she joked, highlighting the quirky nature of community resilience even amid fear.
Reports have confirmed record waves of 14 meters were recorded off the Broad Bay coast just days prior to the cyclone’s anticipated arrival. Residents fear the déjà vu of past natural disasters, recalling the devastating floods of 2011 and 2022. Queensland officials have again warned about potential flooding risks, and Queensland police recruits are actively guiding residents at risk to evacuation centers.
Tasked with managing emergencies, authorities swiftly mobilized personnel to implement public safety measures. Many homes along the coast are not built to withstand cyclonic conditions, raising alarm among local officials. There are lines seen at hardware stores as locals stockpile sandbags to protect their homes from floodwaters.
Prime Minister Albanese noted the urgent need for coordination between Queensland and New South Wales, affirming, ‘There is no border here. This must be recognized by our response agencies.’ His comments came alongside announcements of emergency subsidies for families, ensuring no child care fees will incur due to closures caused by the cyclone.
Looking beyond immediate safety, the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred is expected to reveal economic consequences, emphasizing concerns about supply chains as news reports indicate economic growth slowed significantly. The Reserve Bank of Australia projected growth at just 1.1% as businesses brace for potential economic fallout.
Meanwhile, Green Day’s anticipated concert at Robina Stadium has been canceled due to the cyclone, with the band apologizing for their inability to perform due to ‘really adverse weather conditions.’ Their final show of the Australian leg of the tour was set to take place just as Alfred is projected to hit the coast, demonstrating the wider cultural and recreational impact of the cyclone beyond immediate physical dangers.
Residents remain vigilant, hoping for the best outcome as they prepare for what may be one of the most significant cyclonic events to affect the area in decades. ‘Let’s stay safe, everyone. Whatever happens, we’ve gotten through this before, and we’ll do it again,’ said West as she concluded her social media post, reflecting the collective spirit facing the cyclone.