Cyclone Alfred: Projected Landfall and Impact on Australia

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to hit near Brisbane, Australia, as a Category 2 storm this weekend. It poses a risk of destructive winds and severe flooding, marking the first cyclone to impact the city in over 50 years. Preparations are underway with evacuations, emergency supplies, and safety measures recommended for residents.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to land near Brisbane, Australia, classified as a Category 2 storm, on Friday or Saturday. This rare cyclone is approaching the eastern coast of Australia, threatening destructive winds and hazardous storm surges. Its projected trajectory could affect the densely populated region, marking the first cyclone impact in Brisbane in over 50 years and raising concerns of severe flooding.

Cyclone Alfred emerged in the Coral Sea and unexpectedly turned toward the mainland of Queensland. This unusual occurrence of a cyclone impacting the cooler southeastern region is a significant event, as usually, cyclones develop in Australia’s tropical northern regions. The last significant cyclone to affect Brisbane was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which caused extensive flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the storm will make landfall on Friday night or Saturday morning. Currently, as of Thursday morning, Alfred is approximately 225 kilometers east of Brisbane, moving slowly at a rate of 7 kilometers per hour. Its slow movement allows Alfred to gain strength from warm ocean waters before it reaches land.

Alfred is anticipated to affect a stretch of coastline between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, home to more than 3 million residents. Experts predict its impacts may last several days, with continued high winds and heavy rainfall expected into the following week, particularly from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. Authorities warn that significant flooding may occur after the cyclone moves further inland.

Categorized as a Category 2 storm, Alfred has sustained winds ranging from 89 to 117 kilometers per hour and is capable of causing considerable damage. Rainfall totals could reach 800 millimeters in some areas, alongside wind gusts that may exceed 155 kilometers per hour, resulting in extensive damage and power outages. The cyclone is expected to cause flooding in low-lying regions as storm surges become prevalent.

The cyclone will impact areas including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and parts of northern New South Wales, affecting a 300-kilometer coastal region. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor has warned that up to 20,000 homes may face flooding.

Local government officials have recommended several safety precautions for residents, including securing windows and doors, stocking emergency supplies, preparing evacuation routes, and avoiding coastal areas where waves are dangerously high.

Public transport will face severe disruptions across southeast Queensland, with all bus and train services suspended, and ferry services halted due to unsafe conditions.

In response to the storm, authorities have provided residents in flood-prone areas with sandbags for protection, while the military has delivered additional sandbags to prevent flood damage. Cyclone refuge centers and evacuation accommodations are being established across Queensland to support affected residents.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred poses a significant threat to Brisbane and surrounding areas, with expectations of strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. This rare cyclone is anticipated to leave lasting impacts on the southeastern coast of Queensland, necessitating significant emergency preparations and damage mitigation efforts. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of safety and preparation in the face of this unusual weather event.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com