Cyclone Alfred Approaches Southern Queensland: Urgency for Preparedness

Cyclone Alfred, a category-two storm, is forecasted to impact southern Queensland, with high winds and heavy rainfall expected. The last similar storm was over 50 years ago, and residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding and property damage. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, especially with major events coinciding with the storm’s approach.

Cyclone Alfred, currently a category-two storm, is poised to impact southern Queensland, crossing between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane on Thursday. The region has not experienced such a storm in over 50 years, with the last being Cyclone Zoe in 1974. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the importance of preparedness, remarking, “It’s not impossible, it is unusual, and it’s important that people be ready for it.”

The cyclone, located in the Coral Sea about 465km northeast of Brisbane, is producing damaging winds of around 95 km/h and gusts up to 130 km/h. These winds have already generated waves reaching 15 meters, causing significant coastal erosion from K’Gari Island to the Gold Coast. As Alfred’s track shifts westward, coastal erosion is expected to continue.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that unlike the typically short-lived winds from thunderstorms, Alfred could bring prolonged periods of damaging winds, posing a risk of property damage and downed trees. Meteorologist Jonathan How stated, “We will start to see these very strong, damaging to locally destructive winds over quite a long period of time.” Heavy rainfall can also trigger dangerous flash flooding throughout the region, with flood watches in place.

Flooding concerns in South East Queensland affect over three million residents, with potential rainfall of several hundred millimeters forecasted. Premier Crisafulli noted, “When you’re talking about falls of a few hundred millimetres or more in a short period of time in already soaked catchments, that will be a challenge… I’ve got every faith that people will get through.”

In preparation for Alfred, generators have been dispatched to the Bay Islands, where residents must decide whether to evacuate. The public is advised to prepare essential items, including food and water. Compounding this challenge, the cyclone coincides with the AFL season opener in Brisbane, raising concerns for events scheduled during the storm.

The AFL has committed to monitoring the situation closely, adhering to government recommendations. Additionally, the SES NSW is urging residents to prepare for major river rises, hazardous surf, and flash flooding, advising that families should have evacuation plans in place.

Cyclone Alfred is impacting southern Queensland, marking a rare event since 1974. With significant winds and rainfall expected, there are concerns about property damage and flooding in vulnerable areas. Preparations are essential, as the cyclone coincides with large-scale events like the AFL opener, necessitating community readiness and government monitoring.

Original Source: www.sbs.com.au