Some sick of waiting, but Alfred’s delay adds anxiety for others

The Calm Before the Storm: A Community Prepares for Cyclone Alfred

As Cyclone Alfred looms over South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, the air is thick with both anticipation and apprehension. For some, like Madge, the approaching storm is an unwelcome interruption to daily life. “I have heaps of work I should be doing, but I don’t want to sit here and do it,” Madge admitted, deciding instead to pass the time by catching a movie—Bridget Jones’ Diary—at one of the few cinemas still open. For others, the storm is a source of significant stress, especially for those who have experienced the devastation of past natural disasters.

The contrast in reactions is palpable. Anita Russell and her partner, Brad Woodbine, for instance, are focused on tiring out their two kids and two rambunctious pups, Marmaduke and Tilly, at a nearby park. While they’ve taken precautions—strapping down their trampoline and bringing loose outdoor items inside—they’re not overly concerned. “We’re over-prepared for what they think is going to fizzle out,” Anita remarked, reflecting a sense of cautious optimism shared by many in the community. The extended wait for Alfred’s arrival has allowed for plenty of preparation time, but it’s also brought its own kind of anxiety, as the uncertainty of the storm’s impact lingers heavy in the air.

Despite official warnings to stay out of the water, Alexandra Headland beach on the Sunshine Coast remained a hive of activity. Swimmers and surfers enjoyed the waves, while locals went about their day as usual—walking dogs, playing football, and riding bikes along the shore. Children, grateful for a school-free day, clustered around the skate park, their laughter blending with the hum of normalcy. Yet, the subtle signs of preparation were undeniable. At Milk and Beans, a cozy coffee shop just across from the surf club, customers sipped their lattes at tables surrounded by sandbags—a peculiar juxtaposition of everyday life and impending danger. Vicktor, the café’s manager, revealed that initial plans to close early were scrapped in favor of a day-by-day approach, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the situation.

For Russell and Kaye Willis, however, there is no room for complacency. Their home in Graceville has been destroyed by floods not once, but twice, and the thought of a third time is almost too much to bear. “I said after 2022, ‘I can’t go through another one,’ and now it looks like it’s going to happen again,” Kaye confessed, her voice cracking with emotion. The couple has taken every precaution—sandbagging their property and moving all ground-floor belongings upstairs—but the trauma of past events weighs heavily. Russell, an 82-year-old, fought back tears as he contemplated the prospect of rebuilding once more. Their story is a poignant reminder of the long-term toll natural disasters can take on families and communities.

Aaron Hawke, another resident preparing for his third flood in as many years, echoed this sense of weary resignation. “We had a fair bit of prep time,” he said, “but the delay has added more anxiety because now there’s more time to sit around and wait for something you don’t know how bad it will be.” The prolonged wait for Cyclone Alfred’s arrival has stretched nerves thin, leaving many in a state of heightened alertness. The storm’s slow movement has ensured that heavy rain and massive surf will linger longer in the region, prolonging the discomfort and danger for those in its path.

As the hours tick by and Cyclone Alfred inches closer, the community remains in a state of uneasy limbo. While some find solace in routine activities or small acts of defiance—like Madge’s trip to the cinema—others are consumed by the weight of past experiences and the uncertainty of what’s to come. Authorities continue to urge caution, but the mixed reactions reveal a complex interplay of resilience, fear, and faith in the face of nature’s fury. For now, all anyone can do is wait, prepare, and hope that this time will be different.