Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland, set to bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall from Wednesday, with events cancelled.
In Short
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland, expected to hit the coast between the Sunshine and Gold Coast, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain. Authorities warn of potential flooding and cancellations of events as residents are urged to remain safe.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact Queensland from Wednesday as its destructive core approaches the coast.
As of Wednesday morning, the cyclone was located about 465km east of Brisbane, moving west at 11km/h.
Landfall is anticipated between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast late Thursday or early Friday, with the cyclone likely to remain at category two intensity.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning zone from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, covering major areas including Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Residents within the warning zone can expect damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h from Wednesday, with stronger gusts possible from Thursday afternoon as the cyclone nears. Authorities have alerted residents to the risk of dangerous storm tides and coastal erosion in low-lying areas. Heavy rainfall may also lead to flash flooding, particularly near the cyclone’s centre.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner noted that up to 20,000 properties may be affected by storm surges or flooding.
Public transportation in Brisbane is set to stop ahead of the cyclone’s approach, while NSW Premier Chris Minns has urged residents to stay safe and heed emergency warnings. Several events, including AFL matches and a Greenday concert, have been cancelled or postponed due to the cyclone’s expected impact.
