Millions of residents along Australia’s eastern coast are bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the most southerly cyclone to threaten the region in over 50 years. The storm, with winds equivalent to a Category 1 Atlantic hurricane, is expected to make landfall south of Brisbane early Friday, potentially coinciding with high tide, which could worsen the situation.
Airlines including Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar have suspended flights to Gold Coast Airport, which has closed ahead of the storm, further highlighting the gravity of the approaching cyclone.
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Unusual Cyclone for the Region
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking in Brisbane, noted the rarity of such an event, as southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) are typically outside the tropical zone. Darrell Strauss, a coastal management expert at Griffith University, confirmed that southeast Queensland has not seen a cyclone of this strength in over five decades.
The last cyclone of similar strength, Cyclone Zoe in 1974, caused major flooding in Brisbane and the Northern Rivers region of NSW. With Brisbane’s population more than double what it was in the 1970s, experts warn that Cyclone Alfred’s most severe impacts could be felt along the Gold Coast and northern NSW beaches, areas highly popular with tourists.
Warnings Issued as Storm Approaches
As of Wednesday, Cyclone Alfred was located 400 kilometers offshore, with destructive winds reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Authorities have issued warnings for potential flooding in northern NSW, raising concerns about a repeat of 2022’s devastating floods when record rainfall caused rivers to overflow.
Many homes in the Northern Rivers region are still uninhabitable, and some residents remain in temporary housing three years after the disaster. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed particular concern for these vulnerable communities, saying, “The Northern Rivers has gone through hell over the last few years. We’re particularly concerned about some of those communities.”
Emergency Preparations Underway
In Brisbane, residents have begun preparing for Cyclone Alfred’s landfall by sandbagging homes and clearing supermarket shelves of essentials like food and water. Local authorities are warning of potential storm surges and flash flooding, with models suggesting that up to 20,000 properties in Brisbane could be affected.
Along the coasts of Queensland and NSW, beaches have been closed due to hazardous surf conditions, with waves exceeding five meters and storm surges potentially reaching up to 10 meters, according to NSW State Emergency Services.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately if advised, stressing the dangers of staying put. “If this system strengthens and makes landfall at high tide in the middle of the night, the last place you want to be is in your home,” he said.
Widespread Disruptions Expected
As a precaution, authorities have canceled major sporting events and announced the closure of schools in affected areas on Thursday and Friday. The storm’s impact is likely to cause widespread disruptions, with emergency services on high alert for any rapid developments.
