Tropical Cyclone Alfred Approaches: Key Details and Preparations

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is anticipated to impact south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, potentially marking the first cyclone to cross the coast in decades. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tropical cyclone watch, with warnings expected soon. Severe weather including heavy rainfall and damaging winds is forecasted. Residents are urged to take precautions as the cyclone nears landfall this week.

Residents in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales are preparing for the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, potentially the first cyclone to make landfall in decades. As of Tuesday, Alfred, categorized as a level two system, was located approximately 560 kilometers east of Brisbane. In anticipation of the adverse weather, local supermarket shelves have been depleted, particularly in areas like the Gold Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a tropical cyclone watch extending from Sandy Cape in Queensland to areas north of Grafton in New South Wales, predicting gale-force winds within the next 24 to 48 hours. It is anticipated that this alert will be elevated to a warning soon. Cyclone Alfred is expected to slowly move southeast before sharply turning westward towards the Queensland coast, likely making landfall late Thursday or early Friday, specifically between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Authorities expect severe weather conditions such as damaging winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding. The BoM warns of significant coastal hazards including dangerous surf and abnormally high tides. Rainfall amounts across south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales could reach an astonishing 600-700 millimeters in isolated areas.

Dr. Liz Ritchie-Tyo from Monash University noted that considerable uncertainty exists regarding Alfred’s exact landfall location due to various influencing factors, including competing weather systems and wind conditions. Typically, cyclones off the east coast of Australia tend to move eastward over the Pacific Ocean, however, external pressures might redirect Alfred towards the coast.

Historically, the last cyclone to cross this region was Zoe in 1974, while others like Nancy in 1990 and Oma in 2019 came close but did not land. Dr. Tom Mortlock from the University of New South Wales emphasized that while such occurrences are infrequent, areas in south-east Queensland face significant risk due to their high population density and increased exposure to tropical systems.

Andrew Gissing, the CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, urged residents to take the cyclone threat seriously, as flooding, high winds, and coastal erosion could have severe consequences, especially given the population around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Local authorities have been mobilizing resources, with council workers assisting residents in preparing for potential impacts.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has also emphasized the importance of preparation, urging residents to remain vigilant regarding the cyclone’s unpredictable path. “This is a very rare event for south-east Queensland but it is not unprecedented,” he stated, underscoring the importance of preparedness in mitigating potential damage and ensuring safety during the cyclone’s approach.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is poised to impact south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, with significant rain, damaging winds, and coastal hazards expected. As local authorities and residents prepare for potential landfall between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, emphasis is placed on proactive measures to reduce risk. The situation remains dynamic, necessitating continuous monitoring and readiness in response to changing conditions.

Original Source: www.sbs.com.au