Cyclone Alfred Looms: Queensland and Northern NSW Brace for Impact
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is making headlines as it edges closer to the Queensland coast, with meteorologists predicting landfall by Thursday. The system, currently a Category 1 cyclone, is intensifying and could strengthen into a Category 2 before making landfall. Authorities are on high alert, urging residents from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast—and even into northern New South Wales—to prepare for what could be a significant weather event.
Right now, Cyclone Alfred is moving south at around 10 kilometers per hour. However, there’s growing concern that by Tuesday, it could shift westward, steering directly towards the southeast Queensland or northern NSW coastline. And while tropical cyclones striking this region aren’t a frequent occurrence, history tells us they do happen—just think back to Cyclone Nancy in 1990 or the devastating Gold Coast cyclone of 1954.
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One of the biggest concerns with Alfred is the potential for extreme rainfall. Experts warn that some areas could see between 300 to 600 millimeters of rain over multiple days. That kind of downpour can lead to dangerous flash flooding, riverine flooding, and major disruptions to communities. The Bureau of Meteorology has already issued flood watches stretching from Hervey Bay down to Coffs Harbour, with particular worry for low-lying coastal areas that could face storm surges and hazardous surf.
Emergency services are wasting no time. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have pre-deployed swift water rescue teams, and the State Emergency Service (SES) is on standby, ready to respond if conditions deteriorate. Authorities are also urging residents of Bribie, Moreton, North and South Stradbroke, and the bay islands to seriously consider whether they should evacuate before ferry and barge services cease operations later in the week.
Beaches along the Gold Coast have already been closed due to large and dangerous swells. Coastal erosion is another major issue—Woodgate Beach near Bundaberg has been hit hard, with large sections of sand dunes already washed away by rough seas. Further down, areas like Bribie Island’s Pumicestone Passage are seeing rising water levels, putting nearby homes at risk.
The unusual nature of Cyclone Alfred is also raising eyebrows among meteorologists. Typically, these systems move more quickly, but Alfred has been lingering off the coast, fueled by warm sea temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius. That extra time over warm waters could allow it to strengthen, increasing the risk for communities in its path.
For now, the best thing residents can do is stay informed and be prepared. If you’re in a flood-prone or coastal area, take precautions—secure your property, stock up on essentials, and have an evacuation plan in place. Authorities are clear: they don’t want panic, but they do want people to be alert and ready for whatever Cyclone Alfred brings in the coming days.
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