Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 storm, continues its slow march towards the Australian coast, with forecasts now suggesting it will make landfall early Saturday morning instead of the initially predicted Thursday night or Friday morning. The storm’s delay has raised concerns that it could intensify further before impact.
Current Status and Forecast
As of Thursday afternoon, Cyclone Alfred is approximately 245 km east of Brisbane, moving westward at 10 km/h. Wind speeds near the cyclone’s centre are estimated at 95 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 150 km/h. Record-breaking waves of 12.3 metres were recorded on the Gold Coast, with further coastal erosion expected.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns that the system will bring two to two-and-a-half days of heavy rainfall, extending from late Thursday through to Saturday. Strong winds, storm surges, and flash flooding remain significant risks for South-East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Preparation and Closures
Governments in Queensland and NSW have implemented extensive precautionary measures:
Schools: More than 600 schools in Queensland and 280 in northern NSW have closed for Thursday and Friday. Reopening will depend on post-storm conditions.
Businesses and Transport: Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in impacted regions have closed, while major roads, airports, and public transport services have been suspended.
Emergency Services: 2000 SES volunteers are on standby, with more than 1300 calls for assistance received in Queensland in the last 24 hours. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is prepared to assist.
Power Outages: Reports indicate that 5000 properties have already lost power, with Energex crews working to restore services. Rumours that power would be deliberately shut off have been dismissed as false.
Warnings and Evacuations
Late Wednesday, the NSW SES issued flood evacuation warnings for Tweed Heads, Ballina, South Golden Beach, Pottsville, and Hastings Point, covering approximately 15,000 homes. The government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate before conditions worsen.
NSW Premier Chris Minns, speaking from Lismore, likened the cyclone to an “unwanted houseguest” that is arriving later than expected but staying longer. He emphasised that this extended timeframe increases the window for destructive winds, flooding, and dangerous surf conditions. He urged residents to prepare immediately and heed evacuation warnings.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reinforced the state’s resilience, noting that 34 water treatment plants have been secured and emergency power generators are in place. Authorities are closely monitoring aged care facilities and vulnerable communities, with housing provisions available for those in need.
Impact on Communities
Brisbane: The city is eerily quiet, with businesses shuttered and streets deserted. Winds have begun to pick up across inner suburbs, though the full brunt of the storm is yet to arrive.
Byron Bay: Massive crowds gathered at Main Beach to watch surfers tackle cyclone-powered waves reaching up to 7.7 metres. While some surfers described the conditions as “fun,” others warned of the danger.
Ballina: The town’s iconic Big Prawn lost an antenna overnight due to strong winds, underscoring the storm’s increasing intensity.
Flood Risks: Authorities expect significant riverine flooding across South-East Queensland and Northern NSW, with some areas potentially inundated for days following landfall.
Financial Support and Federal Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an initial $1 million in disaster relief funding for affected regions, with further assistance expected as the damage is assessed. Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister confirmed that additional federal resources, including ADF personnel, will be deployed to assist recovery efforts.
What’s Next?
With Cyclone Alfred now projected to make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta early Saturday morning, authorities stress that the final hours before impact are crucial for preparation. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to secure their homes, stock essential supplies, and evacuate if necessary.
Emergency services have warned that conditions will deteriorate rapidly, with torrential rain expected to persist through Saturday. Queensland and NSW remain on high alert as they brace for the worst impacts of the storm.
Stay updated through official sources, and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency contact numbers and evacuation centres have been established for those in need of assistance.
Emergency Contacts:
- Queensland SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500 (for storm and flood assistance)
- NSW SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500 (for flood and storm assistance)
- Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000 (life-threatening emergencies)
- Energex (Power Outages – QLD): 13 62 62
- Essential Energy (Power Outages – NSW): 13 20 80
- QLD Transport & Road Conditions: 13 19 40
- NSW Transport & Road Conditions: 13 77 88
- QLD Department of Housing (Emergency Accommodation): 13 74 68
- Disaster Assistance (QLD): 1800 173 349
- Disaster Assistance (NSW): 1800 018 444
Confirmed Evacuation Centres:
Queensland:
- Brisbane: RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
- Gold Coast: Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, Carrara
- Sunshine Coast: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North St
- Logan: Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre
- Moreton Bay: Morayfield Sport & Events Centre
New South Wales:
- Lismore: Lismore Workers Sports Club, Goonellabah
- Ballina: Ballina Surf Club
- Tweed Heads: Tweed Heads Civic Centre
- Byron Bay: Cavanbah Centre
These centres and contact numbers were confirmed through official emergency sources. Authorities advise checking state emergency service websites and local government alerts for real-time updates.
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