Tropical Cyclone Alfred Set to Impact Queensland and NSW
Residents across northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland are bracing for Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall as early as Thursday night or Friday morning, bringing with it potentially damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities urge prudent preparation as the cyclone heads toward the coast.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Cyclone Alfred, currently situated about 450 kilometres north-east of Brisbane, is moving south-east at approximately 20 km/h and could become a category 2 system upon its arrival. This marks the first tropical cyclone to threaten northern NSW since Cyclone Nancy brushed the coast near Byron Bay back in 1990, which has many residents preparing for impacts from winds reaching up to 100 km/h and rainfall accumulation between 100 to 300 millimetres.
“This is unusual for NSW,” stated BOM hazard preparedness manager Steven Bernasconi. The cyclone watch issued stretches from the Sunshine Coast to Grafton, with flood watch alerts in effect for Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions. Authorities reported record high waves of 14 meters recorded off Wide Bay, cautioning coastal residents about abnormally high tides and the risk of damaging surf.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the urgency of preparation, stating, “Now’s the time to prepare,” as many homes are not built to withstand cyclonic conditions. He urged residents to stock up on essentials like tinned food, make emergency kits, and clear debris from their properties to minimize risks as the cyclone approaches. Crisafulli made it clear, “You don’t have the chance to prepare in the last remaining few hours.”
This predicted landfall has instigated comprehensive emergency response measures, including the deployment of flood rescue personnel from the NSW SES to the affected regions, along with equipment and communication systems. “We’re ready for this, we’re well trained,” added NSW SES Commissioner Michael Wassing, reassuring locals of their readiness to tackle the challenges the cyclone presents.
The approaching cyclone draws attention to the historical precedents of tropical cyclones affecting this region, underscoring the importance of preparation. Notable past events include the devastating floods of 1974, spurred by Cyclone Wanda, which resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Just months later, Cyclone Zoe inflicted additional flooding on already beleaguered Brisbane.
Residents are reminded of the historical footprint of cyclonic activity as Premier Crisafulli mentioned, “We had a category 1 cyclone… it came very close to the coast, near the Gold Coast.” He highlighted the fact it has been decades since such events have significantly impacted residences, making the upcoming storm all the more concerning.
Authorities are also taking steps to bolster telecommunications infrastructure to tackle anticipated surges in traffic during the emergency period. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured, “We hope of course for the best outcome possible, but we will stand with Queenslanders at this difficult time.”
An important watchful eye will be cast over various significant events occurring around the cyclone's predicted landing dates, including the much-anticipated AFL season opener between the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions. “We will monitor the situation over the coming days and adhere to government advice,” remarked the AFL spokesman, with preparations made to pivot depending on the weather conditions.
Several residents expressed mixed feelings—while some are taking the warnings seriously, others, particularly those new to the area, have never experienced cyclones, making the potential storm all the more enigmatic and concerning. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner articulated this sentiment, stating, “Many residents there have never experienced a cyclone before,” emphasizing the need for vigilance and unity among the community to face the storm’s threats.
With the potential for severe impacts looming just days away, authorities continue to stress the importance of preparedness and paying attention to any forthcoming warnings. The community’s resilience will be tested as they face the unpredictable forces of nature, with many hoping for safety and readiness to mitigate any damages Cyclone Alfred may bring.