Cyclone Alfred Nears Queensland, Bringing Powerful Winds and Heavy Rain

As Cyclone Alfred moves closer to Queensland’s coast, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, though thrill-seeking surfers are taking advantage of the powerful swells. The cyclone, expected to make landfall as a Category 2 system on Saturday morning, has already caused widespread power outages and evacuations.

Erratic Path Delays Landfall

Initially predicted to arrive sooner, Cyclone Alfred’s slow and unpredictable movement has pushed back its expected landfall. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, winds near the center could reach 95 km/h (59 mph), with gusts up to 130 km/h.

With an estimated four million people in its path, the storm is set to impact areas between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, as well as Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city.

Severe Weather and Flooding Risks

Alongside damaging winds, the cyclone is forecasted to dump up to 800mm of rain across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. The greatest threat remains flash and riverine flooding in low-lying areas, prompting concerns from authorities.

Queensland, while accustomed to cyclones, rarely experiences storms this far south. The last major cyclone to impact the region was Wanda in 1974, followed by Zoe two months later.

Power Outages, Evacuations, and Disruptions

• Over 80,000 people in Queensland and New South Wales are without power.
• Tens of thousands have been ordered to evacuate.
• Nearly 1,000 schools are closed.
• Public transport is suspended and airports are shut, with flights unlikely to resume before Sunday.
• Elective surgeries have been canceled as hospitals brace for emergency cases.

Residents Brace for Impact

In Brisbane, residents have been preparing for days, with sandbag depots set up across the region. Many have expressed a mix of apprehension and readiness.

“It’s surreal. We know it’s coming, but it’s very quiet,” said Brisbane resident Anthony Singh, who spent four hours collecting sandbags to protect his home.

As Queenslanders hunker down, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the challenges ahead. “These are tough times, but Australians are tough people, and we are resilient people,” he said.

With supermarkets closed and uncertainty in the air, residents are now in a tense wait for Cyclone Alfred’s full impact.