Cyclone Alfred Brings Record Waves and Intensifying Storms to Queensland
Right now, all eyes are on Cyclone Alfred as it tracks south along the east coast of Australia. This powerful storm is already making its presence felt, with massive waves, dangerous winds, and heavy rainfall threatening communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales .
One of the biggest shocks overnight was a record-breaking 12.3-metre wave off Main Beach on the Gold Coast. It’s the biggest wave recorded there since 1996 , and experts warn even larger waves could hit in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology is tracking the storm closely, predicting that Cyclone Alfred could make landfall late Friday or early Saturday between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.
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As the system edges closer, winds are picking up , with speeds near the cyclone's center reaching 95 km/h , and gusts of up to 150 km/h expected. Coastal towns are already feeling the impact, with high tides causing beach erosion and strong swells battering the shoreline. In Byron Bay, professional surfer Daniel Wills —who’s surfed some of the biggest waves in the world—says he’s never seen conditions like this at home. He called it "exciting" but also deeply concerning for residents along the coast.
For those who remember Cyclone Zoe in 1974 , the warnings are all too familiar. Byron Bay Surf Club life member Mark Brown recalls how the streets were flooded with ocean foam and debris was hurled inland. He’s urging locals not to underestimate this storm, saying, "If anyone thinks this is nothing, it's going to be something."
Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, secure their properties, and prepare for possible evacuations. With heavy rain already drenching parts of Queensland and New South Wales , flash flooding is a real risk. Emergency services are on high alert, as floodwaters could rise quickly, cutting off roads and trapping residents.
Meanwhile, scientists at Sydney’s One Tree Island Research Station have reported massive swells exceeding seven metres out on the Great Barrier Reef. These waves have been steadily decreasing as the cyclone moves further south, but the risk remains high for low-lying areas along the coast.
As the situation unfolds, thousands of residents are filling sandbags, securing homes, and preparing for the worst. Schools have closed, flights have been cancelled, and emergency services are bracing for impact. The big question now is: Will Cyclone Alfred intensify further before landfall?
For now, the message is clear— stay alert, stay safe, and keep up with emergency updates. This storm is far from over, and the coming hours will be crucial in determining just how severe its impact will be. Keep following live updates and listen to local authorities for the latest developments.
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