Rare Cyclone Alfred approaches Brisbane; first storm to hit region over 50 years

Brisbane and its surrounding areas are on high-alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a rare storm for Australia’s southeastern coast, creeps closer.

According to reports, this cyclone was due to hit late on Friday or early on Saturday, with devastating winds, heavy rains, and life-threatening storm tides forecast.

The cyclone, which is currently at Category 2, has maximum sustained winds between 89 and 117km/h. A warning from authorities said that strong winds of up to 155km/h combined with heavy rainfall are expected, which could demolish houses and trees and cause power outages

A rare event for Brisbane

According to a report in Al Jazeera, cyclones typically form in Australia’s tropical north. This makes Alfred’s approach to southeast Queensland highly unusual. The last cyclone to hit Brisbane was in 1974. Named Zoe, the storm caused significant flooding throughout the area.

The report quoted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying that this is a rare event to have a tropical cyclone this far south.

Where will Alfred hit?

The Al Jazeera report cited the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting that Alfred will hit a 300 km (190-mile) stretch of coastline. The coastline spans from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay in northern New South Wales. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales will be worst-hit due to the storm.

Impact and expected damage

Flooding may impact as many as 20,000 Brisbane homes. The rainfall could amount to 800 mm (31.5 inches) in some areas. This is over the average amount of rainfall seen in March.
The Queensland coast has already seen strong surges and officials are anticipating that these surges could inundate thousands of homes in low-lying areas.

Transport and school closures

Southeast Queensland public transport system is in limbo with train and bus services getting suspended indefinitely. Meanwhile, Brisbane’s CityCat ferries have ceased operation due to hazardous river conditions.

Over 700 schools in Queensland and northern New South Wales will remain closed on Thursday. Moreover, Gold Coast Airport has also been shut down. Meanwhile, airlines Qantas and Virgin have suspended operations.

Government response

Authorities have distributed 2,50,000 sandbags in the flood-prone regions, the Al Jazeera report stated. Meanwhile, the military will also be providing 80,000 additional sandbags. Evacuation centres are also being set up across Queensland and Brisbane Showgrounds. These areas have been designated a cyclone refuge centre.

Meanwhile, the officials have urged the residents to:

•Board and shutter windows and doors
•Stock food, water, and medication
•Gather an emergency kit containing torches, radios, and first aid kits
•Follow evacuation orders and avoid low-lying coastal areas

FAQs

How long will Cyclone Alfred last?
The most severe conditions are forecast from Thursday night through Saturday morning, but heavy rain and strong winds could continue into next week.

Which areas are most likely to get hit?
Massive flooding is expected in Brisbane's low-lying areas, the Gold Coast, and northern New South Wales.