Impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred: Brisbane Devastation and Ongoing Flood Risks
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused significant damage in Brisbane, with multiple houses impacted. Lismore’s flooding threat was downgraded, but severe weather warnings persist for Queensland and New South Wales. Roughly 300,000 power connections are down, and residents have been urged to stay indoors due to dangerous conditions. Flash flooding remains a significant concern in many regions.
Severe damage has resulted from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred across Brisbane, with shocking images revealing houses torn apart in the affected areas. A notable example is a house in Brighton, where the wall of a second-story living room has been extensively damaged, exposing furniture to the elements amidst ongoing rainfall. Brighton is approximately 35 kilometers from Moreton Island, where the cyclone made landfall, and 45 kilometers from where the tropical low crossed into the mainland.
In Lismore, the flooding threat has been downgraded from major to moderate, alleviating some concerns regarding the state of the town’s levy amidst intensified rainfall over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that river levels peaked at 9.31 meters, indicating a slow decrease in the flood threat. Nonetheless, warnings about possible renewed river level rises remain in effect as conditions are monitored.
As of Sunday, flood warnings persist across New South Wales, with more than 300,000 power connections in Queensland disrupted, leaving many residents without electricity. Authorities have stated that the impacts from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continue, including flash flooding and damaging winds, causing significant hazards across southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Some regions in Queensland have recorded wind gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour as the cyclone progresses inland. Residents in the City of Moreton Bay, approximately 500,000 people, received severe weather alerts urging them to remain indoors due to dangerous wind conditions.
Tragically, one individual perished after being swept away by floodwaters near Dorrigo. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe informed the public of significant overnight rainfall that will continue throughout the day. She encouraged residents not to return to their homes until officially advised due to hazards present, such as live electricity wires and debris.
Essential Utility crews have faced challenges addressing downed power lines, as rising floodwaters and mudslides hinder access to affected infrastructure. Thousands of volunteers are assisting emergency services, although reports from the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) indicate a concerning trend of individuals driving through floodwaters, which complicates rescue operations and endangers lives.
Warnings for flash flooding have been issued for various regions in Queensland and New South Wales, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting significant rainfall amounts that may result in life-threatening conditions. Areas such as the Northern Rivers and several river catchments are currently under major flood warnings, urging residents to remain vigilant.
In summary, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has inflicted substantial damage in Brisbane, with properties severely impacted and ongoing severe weather warnings in place for affected regions. Lismore has seen a downgraded flood threat, yet ongoing vigilance is essential. Flood warnings across Queensland and New South Wales remain critical, highlighting the need for public adherence to safety protocols. Emergency services continue to manage substantial challenges, including power outages and hazardous conditions endemic to this crisis.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
