Severe weather warnings continue to echo across South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, as the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred leave behind devastation and uncertainty. After initially making landfall as the first tropical cyclone to directly impact Australia27s east coast in over 50 years, the cyclone has been downgraded, yet its aftermath remains dire.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, authorities shifted their focus to the looming threats of flooding and flash floods, with warnings issued from the Sunshine Coast to Lismore. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, "very serious risks remain." The cyclone, which has descended to a tropical low, passed over Moreton Island late Friday night before causing havoc on the mainland. By 6 AM on Saturday, it was no longer classified as a cyclone.
Despite its downgrade, the situation is exacerbated by heavy rainfall, with predictions of accumulations reaching up to 800 millimeters. Premier David Crisafulli reported nearly 300,000 homes and businesses without power, the most significant outage since Cyclone Oswald struck Queensland over a decade ago. The outages extend to approximately 42,600 properties between Tweed Heads and Grafton, and many are bracing for potential flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicated moderate to major flooding could ensue, particularly at Grafton, where the Clarence River was recorded at 4.23 meters and rising. The situation is predicted to worsen with forecasts of continuing rainfall throughout the weekend.
Emergency services remain on high alert as heavy rainfall inundates regions previously affected by storms. Reports detail flooding beginning to breach local infrastructure, with Brisbane Airport closing its doors to flights just before the cyclone hit. After rigorous inspections, Brisbane Airport reopened on Sunday, March 9, 2025, but many flights were canceled amid expectations of continued weather disruptions.
Counterparts at Gold Coast Airport announced they would also reopen, having endured closures since March 5 when Tropical Cyclone Alfred first impacted the area. Yet again, operational schedules continue to face upheaval due to the grounding of multiple flights, with many customers left grappling with cancellations and delays.
University of Queensland meteorologists highlighted the unpredictability of the cyclone's path and intensity, prompting local residents to prepare for potential evacuations and continued disruptions to services. The strong winds associated with the cyclone have altered coastal landscapes, prompting visible beach erosion, as captured by witness accounts along Park Beach.
On social platforms, individuals impacted by flooding have shared their experiences, emphasizing the extent of damage, particularly within residential complexes. An Aussie DJ known as WILLO posted videos showcasing water seeping through his 14th-floor apartment bedroom, as damage from Alfred lingered even after the cyclone had softened.
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All levels of government are responding to the situation with the urgency it deserves. During the early hours of Saturday, March 9, Energex, the state-backed energy utility, revealed the scale of power outages and reassured affected customers they were prioritizing restoration efforts. Chief Operating Officer Paul Jordan indicated total restoration might extend beyond the week, as assessment teams seek to navigate hazardous conditions. He stated, "This will not be a quick fix, especially with the current wind conditions and damage assessment still underway." The call for occupants to avoid flooded regions has been echoed by the police and local authorities.
Businesses and local governments alike are collaborating to address health and safety concerns, particularly as mobile connectivity deteriorated following power loss; Optus reported 270 sites were offline due to outages. The company aims to restore services but could not project when this would happen.
Authorities maintain vigilance across regions of Queensland and New South Wales as flood warnings remain active. NSW Premier Chris Minns warned residents not to become complacent as flood risks linger, stating, "This can't be trivialized." The situation is precarious, as they navigate the path of recovery following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred's path of destruction.
Residents of Lismore brace for potential heavy rains, with river levels threatening major flood levels yet again. The Bureau of Meteorology's Christie Johnson cautioned, "This is only the beginning of what we anticipate to be dangerous flood impacts. Many areas are poised for significant rainfall over the next 48 hours, keeping everyone wired to alerts and updates." Johnson added, "It's imperative residents stay informed and act when necessary to protect life and safety."
Local schools are closed due to hazardous conditions, with decisions anticipated on reopening from education officials. Premier Crisafulli alluded to future announcements for areas impacted within Queensland. "We want to provide clarity for planning, especially as school schedules remain uncertain," he confirmed.
Despite being downgraded, the emotions evoked by Cyclone Alfred are palpable, as the community rallies together to manage the damage, offering support to those affected. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring all necessary precautions are taken to mitigate risks.