Residents of southeast Queensland are bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is tracking toward the coast and expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday morning. The cyclone poses significant risks, with over 4 million people potentially affected.
The Bureau of Meteorology has classified the cyclone as a category two system, which is forecast to maintain its intensity before making landfall. Premier David Crisafulli has warned residents to remain vigilant, stating, "There is still an element of the population who hasn’t fully understood the magnitude of this system," underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Approximately 20,000 homes across Brisbane alone are at risk of storm surge and flooding, leading local authorities to issue warnings. The Brisbane City Council released modeling indicating various areas, including Brighton, Windsor, and Ashgrove, could experience flooding ranging from mild yard inundation to significant internal flooding.
With gusts expected to reach over 130 kilometers per hour and potentially devastating rainfall totals, Brisbane authorities and local services are preparing for the worst. Meteorologist Sue Oates noted, "Destructive winds of up to 130 km/h and rainfall totals of 700 millimeters are forecast." Residents are advised to prepare for inundation from storm surges and elevated tides.
Preparations for the cyclone have included doorknocking efforts by police and emergency services across low-lying areas. Hundreds of police recruits have been deployed to assist vulnerable residents. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasized the urgency of the situation: "We’ve had demand for sandbags off the charts," urging residents to take precautions.
The cyclone presents additional challenges with its expected impact coinciding with high tide on the night of landfall. Crisafulli has expressed the government's commitment to ensuring comprehensive preparedness: "We are asking Queenslanders to stay on their guard. We are prepared, and we want Queenslanders to do the same." He added, "The cyclone has firmed, and all of the information does show this is something we need to take seriously."
By late Tuesday evening, panic buying had impacted local supermarkets, leading 21 local councils to declare emergencies allowing stores to restock 24/7. Notable shortages include bottled water and other essentials, with residents reportedly waiting hours for access to sandbags.
Record waves of over 10 meters have already been reported off the Sunshine Coast, raising concerns about coastal safety. Authorities are advising individuals living near coastal areas or vulnerable locations to prepare for necessary evacuations. Local emergency response teams have established evacuation centers but noted the locations were to be confirmed as conditions unfolded.
Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions as forecasts predict the cyclone to bring life-threatening flash flooding and severe gusts of wind. "Where the system hits and at what tide is very important too," said Crisafulli, emphasizing the potential for dangerous tidal surges.
With schools remaining open, local business owners near the Brisbane River have begun securing their properties. Businesses along Brisbane’s riverside have prepared for the cyclone by moving outdoor furniture and securing large plants and equipment, ensuring they are ready for high winds.
The Port of Brisbane has closed to freight, and Brisbane Airport is on high alert with potential cancellations and delays looming as the storm nears. Airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia, have facilitated flexible rebooking options for passengers affected by the cyclone, acknowledging the challenges posed by the severe weather conditions.
Homeowners living on the Gold Coast may face substantial disruptions even beyond property damage, with predictions indicating long power outages might ensue, possibly lasting days. Energex officials advised residents to prepare for at least three days without power post-cyclone.
Authorities continue to monitor cyclone developments with the situation updated constantly. While current forecasts suggest Cyclone Alfred will remain a category two system, meteorologists warn not to entirely discount the possibility of it intensifying prior to landfall.
Disaster modeling has indicated significant numbers of homes—up to 660,000—could be impacted if conditions shift, making the storm’s impact increasingly severe. Local officials are poised and prepared to manage the situation as efficiently as possible once impacts begin to materialize.
With only one day remaining until landfall, residents continue to gather supplies, enact emergency plans, and are advised to remain informed through constant media updates. It is expected the rain, gale-force winds, and subsequent flooding will keep the region on high alert for the foreseeable future.