Approximately 300,000 homes and businesses in Queensland, along with 13,000 in New South Wales, remain without electricity as adverse weather conditions and severe tree damage hinder restoration efforts. A significant number of schools across both states are likely to remain closed due to substantial building damage and power outages.
Brisbane has witnessed flash flooding today, particularly affecting several suburbs, while Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast experienced severe inundation, receiving 233mm of rain within just six hours this morning. An evacuation order for the central business district of Lismore has been lifted, allowing residents to return home cautiously.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for ongoing locally intense rainfall across Queensland’s Southeast Coast and southern Wide Bay and Burnett regions, with areas such as Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Sunshine Coast potentially experiencing further downpours. Rainfall totals could reach alarming levels, with forecasts predicting six-hourly accumulations of 150 to 180mm and possible 24-hour totals ranging from 250 to 350mm.
Heavy rain is also expected to impact parts of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, and eastern sections of the Northern Tablelands, with similar rainfall patterns anticipated in those areas.
As Cyclone Alfred weakens and shifts further inland, wind gusts and rain are expected to subside by Monday afternoon. The aftermath has already prompted over 3,000 insurance claims, with more anticipated as the focus shifts towards recovery from this significant weather event.