As Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks toward southeastern Queensland, residents prepare for potential devastation from destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
Brisbane Prepares as Cyclone Alfred Approaches: Expecting Destructive Impact
Brisbane Prepares as Cyclone Alfred Approaches: Expecting Destructive Impact
Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, braces for the imminent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, predicted to bring severe weather and flooding.
As the outer bands of Tropical Cyclone Alfred begin to impact eastern Australia, Brisbane is on high alert for what could be the first cyclone to make landfall in the region in decades. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents that the storm could bring catastrophic flooding and winds up to 95 mph to the area, which is home to approximately 2.7 million people.
The slow-moving cyclone is forecasted to reach the coast late Friday or early Saturday, with conditions already deteriorating. By midday Thursday, Alfred was just 150 miles offshore, generating enormous waves that have raised concerns for local communities. Evacuation warnings have been issued for vulnerable low-lying areas, as authorities note that tens of thousands of properties could be affected by flooding.
Local officials have taken significant precautions by shutting down over 900 schools and multiple airports, alongside suspending public transportation in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Preparations are underway as residents flock to grocery stores, which have already seen shelves wiped clean in anticipation of the storm. Sandbag distributions have also seen long lines, a necessary measure to mitigate flood risks.
Despite the impending threat, the cyclone has drawn surfers to the coasts, eager to ride towering waves. Officials remind the public that Alfred's slow advance may exacerbate conditions along the coast, leading to prolonged rainfall and increased risk of storm surges. Areas previously affected by floods, such as Lismore, face heightened concerns, given its previous devastation in 2022.
In response to the imminent disaster, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that emergency federal funds will be allocated to assist Queensland and New South Wales with recovery efforts post-storm. As the region braces for impact, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and resilience of affected communities as Cyclone Alfred approaches.
