Cyclone Alfred: A Growing Emergency Across Queensland and NSW

Cyclone Alfred has brought severe weather conditions to parts of Queensland and New South Wales, prompting urgent evacuation orders and leaving thousands without power. Speaking in Lismore on Friday afternoon, NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that thousands of residents had already heeded warnings from the State Emergency Service (SES) and fled their homes. “If you’re one of the few people remaining in your house, and you’re in an evacuation area, you’re one of the only people in your street left, and you will literally be by yourself,” Minns cautioned. The Premier underscored the importance of adhering to evacuation orders, stressing that staying behind could leave individuals isolated and vulnerable.

The Cyclone’s Impact: Rainfall and Flooding Take Center Stage

While cyclones often bring damaging winds, Meteorologist Helen Reid from the Bureau of Meteorology highlighted that the primary concern with Cyclone Alfred lies in the relentless rainfall overwhelming already inundated regions. “Still a lot of rainfall to come through. Those floods are still going to be a problem, and we are also still going to be seeing those waves crashing in,” Reid explained during an interview with ABC Radio Brisbane. The cyclone’s slower movement has prolonged the deluge, exacerbating floodwaters and coastal erosion. Reid noted that while the consistency of gale-strength winds may have diminished, damaging or even destructive gusts are still expected over the next few hours.

Power Outages Widespread Across Affected Regions

The severity of Cyclone Alfred’s impact is evident in the widespread power outages reported across Queensland and NSW. Over a quarter of a million homes are without electricity, with nearly 240,000 of these outages concentrated in South East Queensland alone. The disruption to essential services further complicates the situation for residents, many of whom are already grappling with the challenges of evacuation and floodwaters.

Cyclone Alfred’s Path: Shifting Forecast and Coastal Impacts

As of 8 am on Saturday, Cyclone Alfred was located 65 kilometres north-east of Brisbane and 40 kilometres south-east of Maroochydore, moving at a speed of 9 km/h. Initially forecast to make landfall in Brisbane’s central business district, the cyclone’s trajectory shifted, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting it would cross the mainland north of the city around midday on Saturday. The cyclone’s swell has already caused significant disruption along the coastline, with dramatic footage emerging of a whale carcass, previously buried on Mooball Beach in NSW’s north coast, washing ashore earlier on Saturday morning.

A Call to Action: Staying Safe in the Face of the Storm

As Cyclone Alfred continues to batter the region, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. Premier Minns reiterated the importance of staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary, while Meteorologist Reid warned that the storm’s impacts, particularly its flooding and coastal damage, would persist for several more hours. For those in affected areas, the coming days will be critical, as communities work to navigate the challenges posed by the cyclone and begin the process of recovery.

Conclusion: A Community United in Crisis

Cyclone Alfred has brought unprecedented challenges to Queensland and NSW, disrupting lives and testing the resilience of affected communities. As the storm continues to unfold, the focus remains on safety, with authorities and residents alike working tirelessly to mitigate its impacts. Stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and look out for one another—these are the keys to weathering this crisis and rebuilding in the days ahead.