Residents and visitors on Great Keppel Island are being evacuated as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies, now classified as a category four cyclone. This system has generated hazardous conditions across northern Queensland, prompting authorities to issue several warnings.
Evacuations began Thursday, with the cyclone located approximately 770 kilometers northeast of Mackay. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), the storm has been generating wind gusts of up to 230 kilometers per hour, causing significant concern among coastal communities.
Shane Kennedy, senior meteorologist with the BOM, stated, "The latest tracking indicates the chances of it making landfall have decreased, yet uncertainty remains about its exact path." Importantly, this storm follows recent heavy rain and flooding over parts of northern Queensland, compounding the potential impact on the region.
Warnings for strong winds and hazardous surf have been issued for the Capricorn Coast, including areas from Townsville to the K'gari Coast. Winds of up to 165 kilometers per hour have prompted exacting preparations along the coast. The cyclone's slow movement through the Coral Sea means it may retain intensity throughout the week; nonetheless, the BOM expresses high confidence it will remain off the mainland.
On Wednesday, Great Keppel Island Hideaway resort announced its closure, notifying guests through social media. "We are evacuiting the island from 10 am Thursday due to the predicted strong winds from Tropical Cyclone Alfred," the statement read. Newlyweds Nicholas and Angela Capel fled the island just days after tying the knot on Monday. "Thank goodness we got married before having to be evacuated today," said Ms. Capel.
Regional Director Andrew Wyatt of the State Emergency Service (SES) noted, "A lot of planning, preparation is underway until we confirm where landfall might be." Preparations have included assembling teams to assess the situation and assist affected communities across Queensland.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred's impacts are not limited to wind. High tides combined with powerful surf pose risks for coastal activities. Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Darren Everard warned beachgoers about the dangers, stating, "With big tides and big winds, there could be debris. It’s best to stay clear of beaches for now."
Local councils, including Livingstone Shire, have also activated alert protocols. Mayor Adam Belot encourages residents to monitor the cyclone’s path and to secure homes and communities as precautionary measures. He commented, "There is no need to be alarmed, but we encourage everyone to stay informed and be ready to act if necessary."
The last significant cyclone to impact this area was Cyclone Marcia, which occurred ten years ago, resulting in extensive damage and economic losses. While the precise effects of Alfred remain unclear, past experiences have amplified the need for preparedness.
Meteorologists anticipate Alfred will begin to weaken later this weekend, possibly downgrading to category three or two. Nevertheless, officials remain vigilant as the cyclone could still bring unsafe conditions closer to the coast, along with significant wave action expected to exceed four to five meters.
Sky News Weather Meteorologist Alison Osborne pointed out, "Regardless of whether the storm makes landfall, we must brace for strong winds, rain, and possibly coastal erosion. The community must heed forecasts and warnings as conditions could change rapidly."
The BOM also indicated the potential for significant wave heights approaching between six to eight meters due to the cyclone. This presents other risks to the shoreline, threatening the coastal integrity of southern Queensland and extending down to parts of northern New South Wales.
Contingency plans are mobilizing across the region, with local authorities collaborating continuously with the BOM. Community leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant and proactive about their safety.
While Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues its path southward off Queensland's coast, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather events and the importance of disaster preparedness. The BOM has committed to providing updates as new information arises, ensuring communities remain informed and ready.