Tropical Cyclone Alfred is poised to make landfall just south of Brisbane, a city home to 2.5 million residents, in the early hours of Friday. The cyclone, which has gained strength equivalent to a category 1 Atlantic hurricane, is expected to coincide with high tide, presenting significant challenges for emergency services. Millions along Australia's eastern coast are bracing for Alfred's impact, marking the most southerly cyclone threat in over five decades.
As of Wednesday, Cyclone Alfred was positioned over 400 kilometers off the coast, advancing westward with destructive winds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. The New South Wales (NSW) State Emergency Services have warned that storm surges could reach heights of 10 meters. Brisbane's population, which has more than doubled since the last cyclone of similar strength in 1974, faces potential widespread impact. Modeling from the Lord Mayor’s office indicates that approximately 20,000 properties across the city could be affected by storm surges or flash flooding.
“This is a rare event – to have a tropical cyclone in an area that is not classified as part of the tropics, here in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW),” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The worst of Cyclone Alfred is anticipated south of its eye, impacting popular tourist beaches from the Gold Coast to northern NSW. Authorities have closed beaches along northern NSW and the Queensland coast due to hazardous surf conditions, with waves exceeding 5 meters. Creeks and rivers in northern NSW are under threat of flooding, reminiscent of 2022's heavy rains that caused several rivers to overflow.
“We haven’t seen anything quite like this for a good 50 years,” – Darrell Strauss, coastal management researcher at Griffith University.
Brisbane residents are taking precautionary measures, sandbagging homes and stocking up on food and bottled water amid warnings of potential flooding. In 1974, Cyclone Zoe brought major flooding to Brisbane and NSW's Northern Rivers region. The current situation brings back stark memories but with an escalated sense of urgency due to increased population and development.
“If it was the case that this system, which has strengthened, was to cross on high tide in the middle of the night, and you’re in that storm surge, the last place you want to be is in your home. So, now’s the time,” – Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
The Northern Rivers region has endured significant challenges over recent years, including major flooding and ongoing rebuilding efforts following natural disasters. The communities are now on high alert as they prepare for potentially severe conditions brought by Cyclone Alfred.
“The Northern Rivers has gone through hell over the last few years. We’re particularly concerned about some of those communities,” – NSW Premier Chris Minns.
