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As millions of people prepare for Cyclone Alfred’s arrival, officials are issuing urgent warnings about the storm’s potentially devastating effects on properties throughout Queensland and northern NSW.
Expected to make landfall just south of Brisbane’s CBD in the early hours of Friday morning, Cyclone Alfred could bring severe weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and life-threatening flash flooding.
A warning zone extends from Double Island Point in Queensland to Yamba in northern NSW.
Cyclone Alfred’s impending impact marks the first direct cyclone threat to south-east Queensland in 50 years.
The Bureau of Meteorology has classified Cyclone Alfred as a high-end category 2 storm which could transition to a low-end category 3 system before landfall.
Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson warned that such conditions could lead to life-threatening flooding.
“Several hundreds of millimetres of rain is possible within six hours, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding,” Johnson said.
It poses significant risks to over 4 million people, with specific neighbourhoods in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Queensland hinterland at high risk of sustaining damage.
Key suburbs such as Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside and Rocklea have been highlighted as particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and high winds, with about 20,000 homes in Brisbane alone at risk.
Home owners and tenants alike have been urged to secure their homes by using sandbags to reduce the impact of flooding and to board up any exposed windows, doors and seep holes.
For extra protection against wind and rain, Queenslanders are also encouraged to tape plastic sheeting inside their windows.
Additional precautionary measures include securing loose items, such as garden furniture, bins and toys, that could cause damage if blown around in high winds and parking vehicles to be accessible for evacuation.
As of Wednesday morning, the storm was tracking towards Brisbane at an approximate speed of 11 km/h and was 425 kilometres east of the city.
Heavy rains and damaging winds are expected to hit the region starting Wednesday afternoon and intensify before the cyclone makes landfall.
Brisbane City Council has established an emergency dashboard to help residents identify their flood-risk areas.
The interactive map provides vital information on potential flood zones, active emergency incidents, power outages and evacuation centres.
It displays an overview of the city, which is colour-coded to indicate these risks, allowing residents to zoom in and assess their specific locations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the collaborative efforts among the Commonwealth, Queensland and NSW governments to respond effectively to Cyclone Alfred.
“There have been NSW people present in the briefings this morning, and the national emergency agency headquarters in Canberra will ensure that there is that coordination as well,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s updated forecast said Cyclone Alfred’s path has shifted further south than initially predicted, putting Brisbane in immediate danger.
Residents of the Northern Rivers region in NSW have also been advised to take precautions and remain indoors to secure property against the strong winds and potential flooding.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged residents of the bay islands of Brisbane to consider evacuating while it is still an option.
“We are putting all the preparations in place, and we’re asking Queenslanders to do the same. It is important that people take this event seriously,” Crisafulli said.
Queensland Police acting deputy commissioner Shane Chelepy encouraged locals to inspect their properties for potential hazards before the storm hits.
“That loose item in the yard that may have been there for too long? Removing it and placing it out of harm’s way could mean the difference between safety and a dangerous situation.”
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