Severe weather warnings are in effect as Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall near Brisbane, disrupts life with evacuation orders, widespread power outages, and closures of schools and transportation.
Australia Faces Evacuations and Flooding as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
Australia Faces Evacuations and Flooding as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
As thousands of Australians evacuate, Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens severe weather conditions along the eastern coast.
At least 15,000 Australians were ordered to evacuate from areas adjacent to the cyclone's projected path, while tens of thousands experienced power outages as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the eastern coast. This storm is poised to be the first to make landfall in the region in decades, with predictions indicating it will arrive in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, early Saturday morning.
On Friday, warnings intensified as Cyclone Alfred approached, with damaging wind speeds reaching up to 75 miles per hour, high tides contributing to flooding, and extraordinary rainfall expected. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported Alfred's location was approximately 80 miles off Brisbane, with local officials stating that around 29,000 properties in neighboring New South Wales were at risk. Authorities also indicated that about 46,000 customers in Queensland were without electricity.
Authorities fear the cyclone's slow movement (only 5 miles per hour) could amplify the impact on coastal communities, increasing rainfall and storm surges. The city of Lismore, already heavily impacted by severe floods in 2022, is among the areas of concern, as officials warned of potential life-threatening flash floods even before landfall.
Despite the impending threat, the beaches attracted surfers eager to ride the cyclone-aided waves, while emergency services prepared for possible rescues and damage assessments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged support for recovery efforts, announcing federal emergency funds for the affected states of Queensland and New South Wales.
As the situation unfolds, many residents have emptied grocery store shelves and rushed to acquire supplies such as sandbags. Schools, airports, and public transport services across the southern areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales remain closed.
With Cyclone Alfred's expected impact, residents are urged to stay alert and heed evacuation orders, as Australia braces itself for extraordinary weather conditions.
On Friday, warnings intensified as Cyclone Alfred approached, with damaging wind speeds reaching up to 75 miles per hour, high tides contributing to flooding, and extraordinary rainfall expected. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported Alfred's location was approximately 80 miles off Brisbane, with local officials stating that around 29,000 properties in neighboring New South Wales were at risk. Authorities also indicated that about 46,000 customers in Queensland were without electricity.
Authorities fear the cyclone's slow movement (only 5 miles per hour) could amplify the impact on coastal communities, increasing rainfall and storm surges. The city of Lismore, already heavily impacted by severe floods in 2022, is among the areas of concern, as officials warned of potential life-threatening flash floods even before landfall.
Despite the impending threat, the beaches attracted surfers eager to ride the cyclone-aided waves, while emergency services prepared for possible rescues and damage assessments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged support for recovery efforts, announcing federal emergency funds for the affected states of Queensland and New South Wales.
As the situation unfolds, many residents have emptied grocery store shelves and rushed to acquire supplies such as sandbags. Schools, airports, and public transport services across the southern areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales remain closed.
With Cyclone Alfred's expected impact, residents are urged to stay alert and heed evacuation orders, as Australia braces itself for extraordinary weather conditions.
