In a precautionary response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is poised to hit southeastern Queensland, Brisbane and its surrounding areas are preparing for severe weather. The cyclone is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, posing risks of heavy rainfall and strong winds to the city of approximately 2.7 million residents. Currently situated 150 miles off the coast, the storm has already generated high waves.
Cyclone Alfred Approaches Queensland: Brisbane Prepares for Impact
Cyclone Alfred Approaches Queensland: Brisbane Prepares for Impact
Brisbane, Australia braces for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the first cyclone to threaten this region in decades.
Authorities have issued evacuation alerts for vulnerable areas, emphasizing that thousands of properties are at risk of flooding. Wind gusts could reach up to 95 miles per hour, and there are warnings of dangerous storm tides. This will be the first cyclone to impact southeastern Queensland since 1974, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
In anticipation of the storm, over 900 schools and several airports have closed, while public transport has been suspended. Residents have been clearing grocery store shelves and lining up for sandbags, as the cyclone’s trajectory shifted from offshore to land. Despite the warnings, many surfers have flocked to the beaches to ride the high waves brought by the cyclone.
The slow movement of Cyclone Alfred could exacerbate its effects on coastal areas, resulting in prolonged rains and storm surges. Among the regions threatened is Lismore, a city that faced catastrophic flooding in 2022.
In a show of support, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the availability of federal emergency funds to assist Queensland and New South Wales with recovery efforts after the storm has passed.
In anticipation of the storm, over 900 schools and several airports have closed, while public transport has been suspended. Residents have been clearing grocery store shelves and lining up for sandbags, as the cyclone’s trajectory shifted from offshore to land. Despite the warnings, many surfers have flocked to the beaches to ride the high waves brought by the cyclone.
The slow movement of Cyclone Alfred could exacerbate its effects on coastal areas, resulting in prolonged rains and storm surges. Among the regions threatened is Lismore, a city that faced catastrophic flooding in 2022.
In a show of support, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the availability of federal emergency funds to assist Queensland and New South Wales with recovery efforts after the storm has passed.
