Brisbane, Australia – Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated, and 84,000 households are without power as Cyclone Alfred, a rare and powerful tropical storm, approaches Australia’s eastern coast.
Expected to make landfall on Saturday morning, the cyclone is set to strike between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, including Brisbane, the country’s third-largest city. This marks the first time in 50 years that a cyclone of this magnitude has reached this far south.
Currently classified as a category two system, Cyclone Alfred is predicted to bring wind speeds of up to 130 km/h, along with torrential rainfall, raising concerns of severe flooding in low-lying areas.
Storm Raises Concerns of Flooding and Heavy Rainfall
Authorities have already reported significant flooding, with fears that conditions could worsen over the weekend. New South Wales police confirmed that one man is missing after his vehicle was swept into a fast-moving river.
An estimated four million people across Queensland and northern New South Wales are in the storm’s path.
Due to the cyclone’s slow-moving and unpredictable nature, meteorologists have warned of potential flash floods and riverine flooding, with some areas expected to receive up to 800mm of rainfall in the coming days.
Residents, like Stephen Valentine from Logan City, are preparing for the worst. He and his wife have stocked up on 30 litres of water, food supplies, and secured rooms away from windows.
“We are as prepared as we can be for something like this. Nothing like this has ever come this far south,” Valentine said.
Queensland Braces for the Worst
While Queensland is no stranger to cyclones, it is unusual for storms of this intensity to hit southern regions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public of the government’s readiness, stating:
“These are tough times, but Australians are tough and resilient.”
Meanwhile, Gold Coast’s acting Mayor, Donna Gates, described Cyclone Alfred as a “scary proposition” for the region.
The impact of the cyclone has already led to widespread disruptions, including:
✅ Closure of nearly 1,000 schools
✅ Suspension of public transport services
✅ Shutdown of major airports (Flights expected to resume Sunday)
✅ Cancellation of elective surgeries
The last time a cyclone of this magnitude hit the region was in 1974, when Cyclone Wanda and Cyclone Zoe devastated parts of Australia.
Authorities Rush to Protect Communities
Emergency services have been actively preparing communities for the storm’s arrival. Local councils have opened sandbag depots across vulnerable areas to help residents protect their homes.
In Brisbane, residents have been lining up for hours to collect sandbags. Anthony Singh, who waited four hours for supplies, described the eerie calm before the storm:
“It’s surreal. We know it’s coming, but everything is so quiet.”
Mark Clayton, who helped distribute over 140 tonnes of sand, said many residents are worried about structural damage, fallen trees, and prolonged power outages.
“People are asking: Will our homes withstand the storm? Will the power be out for days? There’s a lot of anxiety right now.”
Surfers Defy Warnings, Seize Massive Waves
While most Australians are bracing for impact, some surfers are making the most of the extreme weather.
Surfer Jeff Weatherall, who has been riding waves for five consecutive days at Kirra Beach, said:
“This is what we live for—eat, sleep, surf, repeat!”
Another surfer, Donnie Neal, acknowledged the severity of the storm but couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride the record-breaking waves:
“Some people will lose their homes, but for now, we’re making the best of it. The surf is just unreal.”
Government Urges Caution Amid Uncertainty
Prime Minister Albanese has warned Australians to take the cyclone seriously, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary risks.
“This is not the time for sightseeing. Please take these warnings seriously and stay safe.”
As Cyclone Alfred inches closer, Australians are bracing for the worst while hoping for the best. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency response teams on high alert.
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