Cyclone Alfred: Anticipated Impact and Precautions for Brisbane Residents
Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to impact Brisbane as a Category 2 storm this weekend, potentially causing severe flooding and damage. The cyclone, which deviated from its usual tropical path, has prompted extensive safety measures and public transport disruptions. Authorities are providing sandbags and establishing evacuation centers in anticipation of its landfall.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to impact Brisbane, Australia, as a Category 2 storm, making landfall on Friday or Saturday. This rare cyclone is expected to bring destructive winds and dangerous storm surges to the eastern coast. Notably, this will be the first cyclone to directly affect Brisbane in over 50 years, raising concerns regarding severe flooding and infrastructure damage in the 2.5 million population area.
Cyclone Alfred has formed in the Coral Sea and is currently on a trajectory towards Queensland’s southeastern coast. Unlike typical cyclones that emerge in the tropical regions of Australia, Alfred is heading towards cooler coastal areas, endangering regions unaccustomed to such direct impacts. The last cyclone to significantly affect Brisbane was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which resulted in extensive flooding.
The storm is expected to make landfall between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, impacting areas with collective populations exceeding three million inhabitants. Forecasts indicate that the strongest impacts from Alfred will occur from Thursday evening through Saturday morning, although severe weather conditions may continue into the following week. Floodwaters are also expected to rise following the cyclone’s passage inland.
Currently classified as a Category 2 storm, Alfred features sustained wind gusts ranging from 89 to 117 km/h (55 to 73 mph), which is capable of inflicting considerable damage to homes, uprooting trees, and causing power outages. Authorities predict total rainfall could reach as high as 800 mm (31.5 inches) in certain areas, along with wind gusts potentially reaching 155 km/h (96 mph).
Residents have been urged to prepare for the impending impact of Cyclone Alfred through several precautionary measures. These include securing windows and doors against flying debris, stocking up on emergency supplies like water and food that can last for at least three days, and preparing an emergency kit equipped with essentials such as torches and important documents. Additionally, families should formulate evacuation plans if necessary.
Public transport in southeast Queensland is anticipated to be severely disrupted; all buses and trains have been suspended, and CityCat ferry services on the Brisbane River have ceased operations. Moreover, closures include more than 700 schools in the affected regions and cancellations of flights by major airlines such as Qantas and Virgin.
Authorities have implemented action measures, providing residents in flood-risk zones with sandbags, which can act as barriers to mitigate flooding damage. The military has also offered additional sandbags to high-risk areas, and evacuation centers are being organized to accommodate affected residents in need of shelter due to storm damage or flooding. The Brisbane Showgrounds will serve as a cyclone refuge for those without a safe place to stay.
Cyclone Alfred poses a serious threat to coastal communities in Queensland as it approaches Brisbane, marking a rare event for the region. As it is poised to make landfall as a Category 2 storm, significant precautions are in place to protect residents from potential flooding and storm damage. Local authorities are actively working to ensure safety and provide necessary support to those affected.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
