At about 80 miles from Brisbane, Cyclone Alfred was projected to make landfall Saturday morning. Authorities have identified 29,000 buildings at risk of flooding in New South Wales, while over 38,000 people lost power in the state. In Queensland, 46,000 residents are similarly affected. Emergency services are already executing flood rescues as heavy tides hit the region.
With the cyclone moving slowly westward at around 5 miles per hour, weather forecasts indicate protracted rainfall and storm surges that could exacerbate the situation. Coastal areas experienced wind gusts reaching up to 75 miles per hour, with flash-flooding alerts issued even before the cyclone officially hits land. Notably, this would mark the first cyclone landfall along southeastern Queensland’s coastline since 1974.
In anticipation of severe conditions, numerous airports have closed, school systems suspended operations, and public transport has been halted. Grocery stores were stripped bare as residents prepared for the worst, with supplies like sandbags in high demand. Meanwhile, some surfers flocked to the shore to ride the cyclonic waves, drawing large crowds despite the warnings.
Crisis response measures have been put into action, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese approving emergency funding to support recovery efforts following the storm's passage across Queensland and New South Wales.
With the cyclone moving slowly westward at around 5 miles per hour, weather forecasts indicate protracted rainfall and storm surges that could exacerbate the situation. Coastal areas experienced wind gusts reaching up to 75 miles per hour, with flash-flooding alerts issued even before the cyclone officially hits land. Notably, this would mark the first cyclone landfall along southeastern Queensland’s coastline since 1974.
In anticipation of severe conditions, numerous airports have closed, school systems suspended operations, and public transport has been halted. Grocery stores were stripped bare as residents prepared for the worst, with supplies like sandbags in high demand. Meanwhile, some surfers flocked to the shore to ride the cyclonic waves, drawing large crowds despite the warnings.
Crisis response measures have been put into action, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese approving emergency funding to support recovery efforts following the storm's passage across Queensland and New South Wales.
