Millions of Australians across Queensland and northern New South Wales are on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, expected to make landfall within the next 72 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued stern warnings for severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for flash flooding.
Forecasts suggest Cyclone Alfred will cross the southeast Queensland coast late Thursday night, March 6, 2025, or early Friday morning, March 7, 2025. Residents from Sandy Cape to Grafton, including major cities like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Byron Bay, are within the storm's threat radius.
On Tuesday morning, March 4, 2025, the cyclone was located approximately 560 kilometers east of Brisbane, boasting wind gusts reaching up to 130 km/h. These winds are anticipated to strengthen as the cyclone nears the coast, with potential sustained wind speeds up to 120 km/h, and forecasters warn of even stronger gusts.
Heavy rainfall is predicted to accompany the cyclone, with daily totals expected to range between 200 and 400 millimeters. This deluge significantly augments the risk of flash flooding, particularly for low-lying areas and those near already-saturated river systems. Authorities caution residents to prepare for rapidly rising floodwaters, which could cut off roads and hamper access to emergency services.
Coastal communities are also expected to experience hazardous conditions, with waves predicted to reach as high as eight meters. Such extreme surf can lead to coastal erosion, endangering properties along the shoreline. Beachgoers are advised to refrain from water activities as the cyclone approaches.
Emergency services are actively urging residents to secure loose outdoor items, which can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Checking emergency kits is deemed necessary, ensuring essentials like food, water, medications, and batteries are readily available for potential power outages.
"You’d prepare your home for a cyclone, so make sure you prepare your site too," offered Hermann Fasching, Chief Inspector of Mineral Mines and Quarries at the Queensland Resources Regulator (RSHQ). The RSHQ also emphasizes the need for mines and quarries to implement adequate emergency measures to handle cyclone-related risks.
Local preparations are evidencing community solidarity. Over 150,000 sandbags have been gathered across southeast Queensland, with many residents lining up to obtain supplies. The Mooloolaba Triathlon and the Hyundai Australian Boardriders grand final have seen changes, with organizers postponing or canceling events due to safety concerns.
Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner noted, "This is a very rare event for southeast Queensland, but it's not unprecedented, and we are asking you to take it seriously." He reported the distribution of 74,000 sandbags, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this preparation effort.
While communities brace for the incoming storm, many have shared their experiences and preparations on social media. Reports of grocery stores running low on basics like bottled water and bread are circulating as shoppers stock up for the anticipated weather disruption. A Woolworths outlet even limited purchases to two packs of water per person due to high demand.
The cyclone is particularly notable as it's the first storm to make direct landfall in southeast Queensland since 1974. Brisbane has witnessed severe flooding three times within the last 15 years, underscoring the area’s vulnerability. Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, highlighted the need for preparedness, especially among older homes, saying, "If your home is older than 1980, it may not be built to the building codes and is at significant risk to strong winds."
Authorities caution residents not to travel unnecessarily once the severe weather begins, as flooding and debris could create impassable roads. Sandbagging stations will be open to assist those vulnerable areas, and emergency services will continue to monitor the situation throughout the storm's approach.
On Wednesday, prior to the cyclone's expected arrival, schools across affected areas sent emails to parents outlining disaster management protocols and preparations for possible closures. Public transport is expected to be disrupted, and officials caution travelers to stay updated on changes.
Emergency services are pre-positioning to respond to any injuries or damage caused by the cyclone. Premier Chris Minns of NSW assured the community, saying, "The SES, the Bureau of Meteorology, emergency services have been working hard to pre-position and get emergency workers ready to go." His comments reflect the well-coordinated efforts of state and local agencies preparing for Alfred's impact.
Although Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been reclassified from Category 1 to Category 2, the BOM anticipates it could intensify to Category 3 before making landfall. Areas from Double Island Point to Grafton have been placed under substantial threat, with additional warnings indicating destructive winds exceeding 155 km/h may develop along the coast.
With the potential for extensive rainfall, wind damage, and flooding, residents across southeast Queensland and northern NSW are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed official warnings. Community preparations are ramping up, as authorities mobilize to mitigate potential impacts from Cyclone Alfred.
Nevertheless, as the residents prepare for the storm, the uncertainty surrounding the cyclone’s exact path continues to loom large. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the conditions, and officials promise to provide updates on the latest forecasts and impact assessments as the situation evolves.