As Cyclone Alfred strengthens, fierce winds reaching 130 kph and towering waves up to 12.4 meters are battering the coast. With the storm intensifying, evacuations are in full swing, and authorities are issuing urgent warnings for residents to take shelter.
Cyclone Alfred is quickly approaching Australia’s eastern coast, and residents are preparing for one of the strongest storms to hit the region in over 50 years. With winds reaching hurricane-strength, this rare tropical cyclone is set to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, threatening Brisbane and nearby coastal areas.
While the region isn’t typically impacted by cyclones, authorities have been able to issue warnings ahead of time, urging people to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. As the storm nears, schools are closed, public transport has been suspended, and flights from Brisbane Airport are canceled. With millions of people in the storm’s path, Cyclone Alfred is already making its presence felt, and the next few days will be crucial for those living in its way.
Cyclone Alfred: Evacuations, Destruction, and Record-Breaking Waves as Australia Faces Severe Storm Threat
As Cyclone Alfred intensifies, the situation in eastern Australia grows increasingly dire. With winds already reaching 130 kph (81 mph) and towering waves of 12.4 meters (40 feet), authorities have taken immediate action, closing over 900 schools and halting public transport to minimize risk. Panicked residents have emptied supermarkets, and shortages of sandbags have forced some to use alternative materials, like potting mix, to safeguard their homes.
The Australian government is deploying emergency resources, including 310,000 sandbags, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges federal disaster relief. The storm’s slow movement is raising serious concerns, with heavy rainfall expected to cause prolonged flooding, particularly in Brisbane, which is at high risk due to its location on a river floodplain. In total, up to 20,000 homes could be impacted, and 14 communities in New South Wales are already under evacuation orders.
While many are heeding warnings, some surfers have ignored the risks, flocking to the massive waves despite the threat of hefty fines. Power outages are already affecting thousands of households, and officials are urging everyone in the storm’s path to take immediate precautions. With climate change believed to be exacerbating the storm’s strength, Cyclone Alfred’s full impact may be catastrophic, and the extent of the damage will only be fully understood after the storm makes landfall.
Cyclone Alfred Forces Airport Shutdowns Across Queensland and New South Wales as Storm Nears Landfall
As Cyclone Alfred, a category 2 storm in the Coral Sea, approaches the eastern coast of Australia, airports in Queensland and New South Wales have been forced to shut down. With the storm expected to make landfall on Saturday morning (Australia time), major disruptions are already underway. Air New Zealand has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as the storm intensifies. Travelers are urged to monitor flight status and follow safety recommendations as the region braces for the storm’s impact. The closure of airports reflects the growing concerns over Cyclone Alfred’s potential to bring severe winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruptions to the area.
Cyclone Alfred to Hit South East Queensland and New South Wales North Coast: Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Dangerous Waves Expected
Cyclone Alfred is rapidly approaching the South East Queensland and New South Wales North Coast, and residents are on high alert as the storm gains strength. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings, forecasting heavy rainfall, intense winds, and massive waves that could reach dangerous heights. From Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, affected areas are bracing for widespread disruption, flooding, and property damage. With the storm intensifying, local authorities are urging residents to prepare for the worst as Cyclone Alfred threatens to bring unprecedented conditions to the region. Stay tuned for updates as the storm draws closer.
