Cyclone Alfred weakens as it closes in on Australia’s east coast

A Tropical Cyclone’s Approach and Weakening Near Brisbane

A tropical cyclone, named Tropical Cyclone Alfred, approached Brisbane, Australia’s third-most populous city, over the weekend, bringing with it heavy rainfall and the threat of significant flooding. Initially expected to make landfall as a cyclone near Brisbane, it would have been the first to do so in the region since 1974. However, by early Saturday, the system had weakened into a tropical low, defined as a weather system with sustained winds of less than 39 mph.

The Downgrade and Expected Impact

On Friday, Tropical Cyclone Alfred was moving westward toward Brisbane with sustained winds of 59 mph and gusts reaching up to 81 mph. However, by Saturday, it had weakened significantly, reducing its intensity to a tropical low. Despite this downgrade, the Bureau of Meteorology warned that the system was still expected to bring heavy rainfall and coastal surf impacts to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales over the weekend. The low was forecast to cross the coast north of Brisbane, between Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast region, later on Saturday.

Flooding, Power Outages, and Rescue Efforts

The heavy rainfall associated with the weather system caused significant flooding in both Queensland and New South Wales. Rivers overflowed, leading to dangerous conditions for residents. In New South Wales alone, 39 people were rescued from floodwaters, and a man remained missing after being swept away by a river on Friday. The situation was dire enough to prompt the evacuation of more than 19,000 people from low-lying homes in affected areas.

The impact of the storm was further exacerbated by widespread power outages. Over 250,000 homes and businesses, primarily in the Gold Coast region south of Brisbane, lost electricity. The combination of flooding, power outages, and ongoing rainfall created a challenging environment for residents and emergency services alike.

A Rare Event in Southeast Queensland

While tropical cyclones are common in Queensland’s tropical north, they are rare in the state’s temperate and densely populated southeast, which borders New South Wales. This made the approach of Tropical Cyclone Alfred a notable event, even as it weakened into a tropical low. The region’s infrastructure and residents are less accustomed to dealing with the effects of cyclones, which heightened concerns about potential damage and disruption.

Human Toll and Feeling of Being ‘Forgotten’

The aftermath of the storm also revealed the emotional toll on affected communities. Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan was quick to reassure residents, acknowledging the widespread disruption and promising support. However, some residents expressed feelings of being "forgotten" in the wake of the historic storm. This sentiment underscores the deeper challenges communities face in recovering from such events, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and resources.

Conclusion: A Community United in Recovery

As the tropical low moved inland and the immediate threat of severe weather began to subside, the focus shifted to recovery and rebuilding. The coordinated efforts of emergency services, volunteers, and local governments were crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected populations. However, the long-term recovery will require sustained attention to the emotional and physical toll of the storm. For now, the people of southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales remain resilient, united in their efforts to overcome the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event.