Tropical Cyclone Alfred Approaches Queensland: Urgent Preparations Required
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into Category 2 and is moving toward southeast Queensland, with landfall expected late Thursday or early Friday. Prompt evacuation and preparation measures are advised as authorities warn about severe winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding affecting thousands of homes.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a Category 2 storm and is heading toward Australia’s eastern coast, with landfall anticipated late Thursday or early Friday, north of Brisbane. At a distance of 600 km east of the Queensland-New South Wales border, the cyclone has made a sudden westward turn after several days of heading southeast. Authorities are alerting residents to the potential for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and coastal erosion in the affected areas.
Premier David Crisafulli reported on social media that, “Tropical Cyclone Alfred has just changed direction and is now heading towards the QLD Coast. We’re prepared for this weather event and we’re asking Queenslanders to do the same. Be prepared and stay informed.” Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the cyclone will maintain its intensity, with winds expected at 100 km/h and gusts peaking at 150 km/h upon arrival on the coast.
Rainfall remains a significant concern, with expectations of 300-600 mm in some areas and localized totals that may reach 700 mm. Flood watches have been issued from Bundaberg to Port Macquarie, with warnings from the Brisbane City Council indicating that approximately 20,000 homes could suffer flooding damage. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has advised residents in flood-prone locations to consider evacuation ahead of the storm’s arrival, noting that properties may face varying levels of inundation.
The most potent winds are predicted near and south of landfall, particularly affecting Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and northern New South Wales’ inland regions. Gale-force winds are anticipated to escalate from Wednesday, with potentially destructive gusts of up to 150 km/h occurring in higher ground areas. Additionally, coastal regions should prepare for storm surges reaching 0.8 m above the highest astronomical tide, with wave heights potentially reaching 10 meters, leading to severe beach erosion and dangerous surf conditions.
Warnings covering areas from Double Island Point to Yamba have been issued regarding the cyclone’s approach, along with severe weather alerts across significant parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Public transport disruptions have occurred, schools have closed, and evacuation advisories have been prompted, with many residents choosing to leave their homes voluntarily. Airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, offer free flight changes for those impacted by the cyclone, as stated by Qantas, “We’re closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred. If your flight is impacted, we’ll notify you by SMS.”
Emergency services are actively visiting flood-prone areas to inform residents about the impending storm. Experts, such as Associate Professor Iftekhar Ahmed from the University of Newcastle, suggest that Cyclone Alfred’s unusually southern trajectory may reflect the effects of climate change. “Cyclone Alfred is predicted to impact northern NSW, which is generally not an area at risk. The last cyclone warning here was more than 50 years ago. This could indicate that, due to global warming, the reach of tropical cyclones is extending further than the tropics.” Dr. Tom Mortlock from Aon reinforces this notion, noting that warmer sea surface temperatures allow for cyclone formation as far south as Sydney.
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, residents in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are urged to secure properties, assemble emergency kits, and heed evacuation advisories. Authorities stress that prompt action is essential, as emergency services may be unable to respond immediately once the cyclone makes landfall.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Alfred poses a significant threat to southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, with authorities warning of dangerous weather conditions. Preparedness is crucial as residents face potential flooding, damaging winds, and severe storm surges. Experts are also highlighting the unusual path of this cyclone as potentially influenced by climate change. Early action is essential to ensure safety ahead of this impending weather event.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
