Over four million residents in Queensland and northern New South Wales are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, including potential daily rainfall between 200 to 400 millimetres, life-threatening flash flooding, and wind gusts reaching 120 km/h. Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact Brisbane late Thursday night or early Friday morning, bringing damaging winds and intense rain, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau has identified ‘watch zones’ from Sandy Cape to Grafton, encompassing Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Byron Bay, although nearby areas may also experience adverse weather conditions. Cyclone Alfred is currently classified as fluctuating between a category 1 and category 2 tropical cyclone, with varied risks associated with each category. A category 1 cyclone may cause limited damage, while a category 2 cyclone poses a greater threat of structural damage, power failures, and more significant impacts on crops and trees.
To better prepare for Cyclone Alfred, residents should follow a series of recommendations:
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Stay Informed: Keep up to date on weather forecasts and warnings, particularly for impacts expected in your area.
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Assess Risk: Identify the safest location in your home for shelter—ideally a bathroom or hallway away from windows.
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Flood Protection: Use sandbags to safeguard your property from flooding. You can find guidelines on effective usage online.
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Secure Your Home: Board up windows and doors, and consider using plastic sheeting for extra protection against wind and rain.
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Vehicle Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle has fuel and is parked safely away from trees, powerlines, and potential flooding.
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Protect Belongings: Secure or store items that could be blown away, such as outdoor furniture, and elevate valuable items to avoid water damage.
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Emergency Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit that can sustain you for at least three days, including essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight. Important documents should also be gathered in case of evacuation.
- Post-Storm Welfare: It’s crucial to check on neighbours, ensure pets have sufficient food, and confirm they are microchipped.
Lastly, emotional well-being is vital during such stressful times. Being aware of potential psychological impacts helps everyone—especially children—manage anxiety. Have emergency contact numbers ready, including for emergency services and state emergency services.
By taking these precautions, Queensland and northern NSW residents can navigate the impending cyclone more safely and efficiently, enhancing their chance of a positive outcome during high-stress weather events.