A rare and potentially dangerous weather event is unfolding in southeast Queensland, with Cyclone Alfred predicted to make landfall near Brisbane later this week.
If the system reaches the coast as expected, it will be the first time in 50 years that a cyclone directly impacts the region, raising concerns about severe rainfall, flooding, and damaging winds.
Authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents in vulnerable coastal and island communities to prepare or evacuate. The looming threat posed by the storm has prompted emergency measures. A
ccording to SBS News, officials are closely monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory and advising residents in at-risk areas to take precautionary steps.
A Rare Cyclone Event for Brisbane and Surrounding Areas
Tropical cyclones rarely make landfall in southeast Queensland, making Alfred’s projected path a cause for heightened concern. The last time a cyclone directly impacted the region was in 1974, when Cyclone Zoe struck.
Historically, cyclones in Australia tend to affect the country’s northern coastlines, particularly in Queensland’s far north, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Current forecasts indicate that Cyclone Alfred, currently hovering as a Category 1 system in the Coral Sea, will strengthen slightly before turning westward.
It is expected to cross between K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the Gold Coast on Thursday or Friday, with Brisbane and areas south of the city at the highest risk of experiencing intense winds and heavy rain.
Emergency Warnings Issued for Coastal and Island Communities
With Alfred’s arrival imminent, Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli has urged residents to prepare for a potentially severe weather event.
“This is certainly an event that doesn’t happen a lot for this part of the state … I am asking Queenslanders to be ready for it,” he stated.
Officials have also warned that ferry and barge services to island communities east of Brisbane may be suspended within 24 to 36 hours, potentially stranding those who fail to leave in time.
Generators, emergency personnel, and medical teams have been deployed to key locations, while authorities advise houseboat residents and those in low-lying areas to consider evacuating.
Heavy Rainfall, High Winds and Monster Waves Expected
Cyclone Alfred has already begun impacting coastal conditions, with waves up to 15 metres high reported from K’gari to the Gold Coast. The cyclone is currently producing winds of 95 km/h, with gusts reaching 130 km/h, creating hazardous conditions at sea.
The cyclone watch zone extends from K’gari to Grafton (NSW), encompassing some of Australia’s most populated coastal areas. Marine Rescue Queensland has issued a strict advisory against boating and fishing, warning of unpredictable storm surges and rapidly changing sea conditions.
Schools, Transport and Businesses on Alert
With severe weather expected to intensify, there is a “very strong likelihood” that schools in affected areas may be forced to close temporarily. While no official closures have been confirmed yet, authorities are monitoring conditions closely.
Meanwhile, shipping operations at Mooloolaba (Sunshine Coast) have halted until Cyclone Alfred passes, and two cruise ships have been redirected to alternative ports. Another vessel is scheduled to dock in Brisbane ahead of schedule to allow passengers to disembark safely.
Southeast Queensland Prepares for a Challenging Week
While cyclones are a seasonal reality in northern Australia, their presence in southeast Queensland is extremely rare, making Alfred an unusual and concerning event.
Authorities stress that preparation is key, with emergency services working to minimise damage and ensure public safety.
With the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales still recovering from devastating floods three years ago, local officials are also on high alert.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib has reassured residents that authorities are doing “everything we can” to mitigate potential flooding and storm damage.
As the system continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay updated through official weather warnings and emergency alerts.
