Tropical Cyclone Alfred is poised to hit the eastern coast of Australia, with landfall anticipated on Thursday night or early Friday morning. This event is likely to bring heavy rainfall and significantly increase the risk of flooding across the region.
Flood risk assessments indicate that approximately 20,000 residences in Brisbane may be adversely affected when the cyclone makes landfall. In light of this, flood warnings have been issued throughout southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales, predicting flash flooding and overflow from waterways in the coming days.
Local authorities have identified low-lying suburbs near rivers and creeks, as well as coastal communities, as particularly vulnerable to flooding. Senior meteorologist Christie Johnson from the Bureau of Meteorology has cautioned that floodwaters may begin rising as early as this afternoon. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has encouraged residents to prepare for potential evacuations, expressing confidence in the resilience of the community.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, has stressed that nearly 20,000 properties could be at risk from storm surges and flooding, highlighting areas including Nudgee Beach, Brighton, Windsor, and Rocklea as particularly susceptible. Other communities such as Coopers Plains, Carina, Sandgate, and Wynnum West also face significant flooding potential.
In response to the impending cyclone, residents are urged to make evacuation plans, prioritising staying with family or friends over risking safety in their homes. Local councils in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and Gold Coast have advised residents to keep abreast of flood notifications and can access local disaster information through their government’s disaster dashboard.
Meanwhile, northern New South Wales is also preparing for the impact of Cyclone Alfred. NSW Premier Chris Minns has warned that communities should be ready for a severe flooding scenario, comparable to the devastating floods of 2022 that affected the Tweed Heads region.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging residents to take precautions and heed safety warnings in anticipation of potential evacuations and severe flooding conditions as Cyclone Alfred approaches.