Cyclone Alfred has reversed its course and is now on a direct path towards Queensland’s most populated regions, with meteorologists more certain about its timing and location for landfall. The latest reports indicate that this category 2 storm is expected to make landfall late on Thursday or early Friday morning near Brisbane, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
In preparation, residents across southeast Queensland and northern NSW, numbering around four million, rushed to obtain sandbags, with 74,000 available in Brisbane alone. Long queues formed as citizens arrived in pre-dawn hours, eager to protect their homes from potential flooding.
The approaching cyclone has led to significant cancellations and postponements, including AFL and NRL games, while predictions suggest wind gusts might reach 155 km/h. Furthermore, heavy rainfall may result in up to 180 millimetres in a single day for some areas, with higher totals expected further south of the cyclone. As of the latest update, Cyclone Alfred was located 550 kilometres east of Brisbane, moving westward at 17 km/h with wind speeds near its core reaching 95 km/h.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has urged the public to stay vigilant, emphasising the rarity of cyclones in southeast Queensland since the mid-1970s. While he acknowledged that some residents may be new to such severe weather events, he praised the resilience of Queenslanders, noting their ability to respond to disasters effectively.
The State Emergency Service (SES) is bracing for a busy couple of days, having already responded to around 800 help requests. With sandbagging operations in full swing, Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy highlighted the critical need for support in the coming hours.
Local government officials reported unprecedented demand for sandbags, with temporary depots running out almost immediately. Volunteers conducted evacuations on South Stradbroke Island, where about 20 families were assisted.
Major events, such as the season opener for the Brisbane Lions versus the Geelong Cats, have been cancelled or moved as storm warnings persist. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s schedule is also under review due to the cyclone’s predicted impact.
Airlines, including Virgin Australia and Qantas, have made arrangements to allow passengers to change or cancel flights without penalty due to the mounting travel disruptions.
With officials confirming the storm’s potential for severe weather, Queenslanders are being advised to prepare adequately for the upcoming challenges, as trepidation continues to grow regarding the cyclone’s possible effects on the region.