Cyclone Alfred puts South-Queensland dams on alert

A Brewing Storm: Preparing for the Worst

Queensland is bracing for a potentially dangerous weather event as a cyclone approaches its coastline. Authorities have urged residents to prepare for the worst, with warnings of destructive winds, intense rainfall, and possible flash flooding. The situation is being closely monitored, with the state’s water management systems already under pressure due to recent rainfall in key catchments. “There is water in the system at the moment, and you do have catchments that have had rain, so on the back of it, that has to be factored into their modelling,” said Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Crisafulli. With dams such as Wivenhoe, Somerset, and North Pine nearing full capacity, the possibility of controlled water releases looms large.

Seqwater, the operator of Brisbane’s dams, has activated its flood operations centre to the “alert” stage, with specialist engineers ready to respond to changing conditions. While no gated releases are currently occurring, future rainfall in the catchments may necessitate such measures. Operational releases are continuing as normal to supply drinking water to the greater Brisbane area. The situation is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between water supply management and flood mitigation, a lesson learned from the devastating 1974 Brisbane flood that claimed 16 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Wivenhoe Dam, built in response to that disaster, remains a critical piece of infrastructure in managing such threats.

The Cyclone’s Path: A Race Against Time

As of Tuesday morning, the cyclone was located 560 kilometres east of Brisbane, moving south-east but expected to slow and turn west towards the Queensland coast later in the day.Forecasters warn that the storm is likely to strengthen to a Category 2 cyclone by Tuesday, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Sue Oates emphasized the risks, noting that destructive winds could commence later on Wednesday and persist through Thursday and Friday. The storm’s trajectory has placed a tropical cyclone watch on coastal areas from Sandy Cape to the Queensland border, with flash flooding and widespread riverine flooding anticipated.

The flood watch extends from Bundaberg in the north to the Queensland-New South Wales border in the south, encompassing key river systems like the Mary River, Sunshine Coast rivers, and the Brisbane River catchment. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety. authorities are working tirelessly to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Preparing for the Unexpected: A Call to Action

Crucial to surviving the impending storm is preparation. Minister Glenn Crisafulli has called on residents to stock up on essentials, including bottled water, spare batteries, phone chargers, and important documents. “You should prepare to be without power and you should prepare to have your bottled water,” he advised. “You should have all your documents in one location. There’s no harm preparing and then not needing it. The harm is in not doing the work and then, when things become a perilous situation, if that gets to it not being ready.”

Supermarkets across the state have been urged to restock shelves and ensure supplies are available, amid reports of panic buying. Crisafulli implored supermarkets to “get in and serve your customers and restock the shelves and do all you can.” His message reflects the broader community effort needed to navigate the crisis, with residents encouraged to do the right thing and support one another.

Safety First: Transport and Power Preparations

The potential risks posed by the cyclone have already begun to disrupt daily life in Brisbane and beyond. CityCat and ferry services were suspended on Monday night, following advice from Maritime Safety Queensland. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained the decision, citing the dangerous combination of high tides, flash flooding, and debris in the Brisbane River as key safety concerns. “I understand this decision will inconvenience people, but the safety of our passengers, crew, and vessels must be a top priority,” he said.

Energex, the region’s electricity supplier, is preparing for potential power outages by deploying generators to strategic locations, particularly in hard-to-reach island communities. These communities are being urged to decide soon whether to evacuate or stay, with Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy warning that Tuesday may be their last chance to seek shelter on the mainland. “If you are making the decision to leave and go and stay with family and friends, please do so,” he said. “But if you stay, we’ll ensure that we’re there to support you. We are working with every district disaster group to ensure that our vulnerable communities have plans in place.”

Community Resilience:Standing Together

In the face of uncertainty, Queenslanders are being reminded of their community’s resilience and ability to come together in difficult times. The cyclone’s approach has brought back memories of past weather events, such as the 2011 floods, which tested the region’s strength and preparedness. This time, however, the state is better equipped to handle the challenges, thanks to improved infrastructure and early warning systems.

The importance of staying informed cannot be overstated. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates, follow evacuation orders if issued, and look out for neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable. The collective effort to prepare and respond to the cyclone underscores the spirit of Queenslanders, who have proven time and again their ability to withstand and recover from adversity.

As the storm looms, the message is clear: preparation is key, but so is hope. While the next few days will undoubtedly bring challenges, the resilience of the Queensland community offers a beacon of light in the face of uncertainty.