Australia’s east coast is on high alert as Cyclone Alfred continues its approach, bringing abnormally high tidal surges, intense rainfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening flooding to Queensland and New South Wales. The category one storm, currently intensifying, is forecast to make landfall near Brisbane, the country’s third-largest city, later this week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Alfred was approximately 465 kilometers (290 miles) northeast of Brisbane as of 11 a.m. local time on Monday, moving in a southeasterly direction at 20 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a category two storm before shifting westward toward the southeast Queensland coast from Tuesday.
Extreme Weather Conditions
The BoM has warned that abnormally high tides will continue along the southern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales coasts in the coming days. Residents should prepare for life-threatening flash flooding and damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph).
“The impact on the mainland will intensify from Wednesday, with the cyclone expected to make landfall just north of Brisbane on Thursday,” said Steve Bernasconi, a meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, at a press conference on Monday.
“Winds will start to be noticeable and will become damaging. We expect a coastal hazard warning around this time,” Bernasconi stated. “Tides will be abnormally high, and from Wednesday evening, rainfall will significantly increase, with the potential for locally intense falls.”
For Brisbane and surrounding areas, Alfred is expected to bring severe flooding, especially in low-lying suburbs that have historically been vulnerable to storm surges.
A Rare Threat for New South Wales
The cyclone is not just a concern for Queensland. New South Wales is also on high alert, with officials noting that tropical cyclone watches and warnings are uncommon in the state.
“We don’t often have Tropical Cyclone warnings for New South Wales,” Bernasconi explained. “The most recent instance was Cyclone Nancy in 1990, and before that, it was Cyclone Zoe in 1974.”
With the storm expected to bring torrential rain and flash flooding, Sydney and surrounding areas could also experience severe weather impacts. Coastal towns in northern New South Wales are already experiencing large waves, erosion, and early signs of flooding.
Emergency Services Mobilized
Emergency response teams in Queensland and New South Wales are gearing up for one of the most significant storm events in years. Jihad Dib, New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, confirmed that both states are working together to pre-position emergency personnel and resources ahead of the storm.
“We’ve planned for the worst, but we hope for the best,” Dib said on Monday.
Queensland’s State Emergency Service (SES) has issued evacuation warnings for some coastal towns expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has also urged residents to prepare their homes, secure outdoor furniture, and stock up on emergency supplies.
Authorities are particularly concerned about flash flooding, as many areas are already saturated from previous storms.
“We’re expecting rivers to rise rapidly, leading to significant flash flooding,” said Queensland Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach. “If you’re in a flood-prone area, please follow official advice and prepare for potential evacuations.”
If Cyclone Alfred intensifies further, it could bring destruction similar to Cyclone Debbie (2017), which devastated northern Queensland before bringing torrential rain and strong winds to Brisbane. The remnants of Debbie caused severe flooding, forcing thousands to evacuate.
For many Brisbane residents, memories of Cyclone Oswald (2013) and the Brisbane floods of 2011 remain fresh. The city’s 2.5 million residents are being urged to prepare for possible power outages, road closures, and disruptions to public transport.
As Cyclone Alfred approaches, its impact is already being felt in various sectors.
- Airlines have issued travel warnings, with some flights to and from Brisbane already delayed or canceled.
- Brisbane Port operations may be suspended midweek due to dangerous sea conditions.
- Schools and businesses in flood-prone areas have been advised to close on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, farmers in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales fear crop losses due to heavy rainfall and flooding, which could impact Australia’s agriculture sector.
The BoM and emergency services are urging residents to stay up to date with warnings and follow evacuation orders if issued.
“The biggest mistake people make is underestimating a storm’s potential,” said Queensland Premier Steven Miles. “Please take this seriously. Secure your homes, make an emergency plan, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.”
The Australian government has also activated disaster relief funds to assist affected communities once the cyclone passes.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
- Monday-Tuesday: Cyclone Alfred strengthens to a category two storm, moving westward.
- Wednesday: Increasing rainfall, strong winds, and rising tides begin to affect the coast.
- Thursday: Cyclone Alfred makes landfall near Brisbane, bringing destructive winds and flooding.
- Friday and beyond: Heavy rain continues inland, with floodwaters likely to rise.
Residents are encouraged to keep emergency kits ready, including food, water, medications, and battery-powered radios. Authorities are also advising against non-essential travel, especially near coastal areas.
As Queensland and New South Wales brace for Cyclone Alfred’s impact, emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to what could be the most significant weather event in years.
For real-time updates, follow the Bureau of Meteorology’s alerts, tune into local emergency broadcasts, and check updates from Queensland and New South Wales emergency services.
Cyclone Alfred is coming. Take all necessary precautions.
