Storm Alfred's Impact: Mass Blackouts and Evacuations in Australia

As more than 300,000 properties lose power and million face warnings, residents brace for extreme weather conditions amid official calls for safety.

As tropical storm Alfred draws closer to the Australian east coast, over 300,000 properties are experiencing blackouts, intensifying concerns in the affected regions. Initially a cyclone, the storm has been downgraded to a tropical low, yet authorities caution that the risks remain substantial.

Severe weather has been wreaking havoc, with powerful winds uprooting trees and taking down power lines, while low-lying areas are grappling with flooding. The storm is projected to make landfall near Brisbane, with further inland movement anticipated later on Saturday.

Evacuations have been ordered for tens of thousands, while many others are advised to remain indoors during this precarious period. Authorities are on high alert as four million individuals across Queensland and northern New South Wales are in the path of the storm, accompanied by numerous weather warnings. Emergency services are collaborating with energy companies, as reports indicate some residents may face prolonged blackouts spanning several days.

In southeast Queensland, energy provider Energex reported approximately 287,000 customers are without power, and in New South Wales, Essential Energy noted a blackout count exceeding 42,600 households. Brisbane residents went to sleep on Friday facing the impending storm, only to wake up Saturday to news of the cyclone's downgrade, though the city is still bracing for adverse weather conditions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that "the worst is yet to come" as ongoing severe weather continues to batter the Gold Coast. Residents are confronted with torrential rainfall and strong winds resulting in numerous downed power lines and uprooted trees across the region.

New South Wales state premier Chris Minns stressed that the danger persists despite the downgrade. The state's emergency service operations commander, Stuart Fisher, warned of potential complacency among the public and emphasized the continued risk of flooding over the coming days.

In preparation for the storm, nearly 1,000 schools have closed, and public transport, along with airport services, has faced suspension. Elective surgeries have also been postponed, with flights projected to resume no earlier than Sunday.

The BBC has reported on Brisbane’s homeless community, seeking refuge at the Emanuel City Mission, which has transformed into a shelter amid the crisis. The storm's effects are visible at the Treasure Island Holiday Park on the Gold Coast, where a fallen gum tree caused significant property damage. Residents are beginning to emerge and survey the damages, though many remain indoors due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

As cleanup efforts are still on hold until the weather stabilizes, communities are left to face the aftermath of this potent storm.