Tropical Cyclone Alfred Brings Severe Weather to Eastern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a rare and intense storm, began impacting parts of eastern Australia on Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The cyclone, which is expected to make landfall on Saturday, has caused significant disruptions in Queensland, particularly in the densely populated southeastern region. Residents in Brisbane and surrounding areas are bracing for the storm’s arrival, with schools closed, public transport halted, and essential supplies like sandbags in short supply. Many desperate residents have turned to buying potting mix as an alternative to sandbags to protect their homes from potential flooding. The storm’s approach has already led to power outages, empty supermarket shelves, and a sense of urgency among the population.
A Rare and Dangerous Storm for Southeast Queensland
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to cross the coast between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, with Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city and host of the 2032 Olympics, directly in its path.According to Matt Collopy, a manager at the Bureau of Meteorology, the storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 95 kph (59 mph) and gusts of up to 130 kph (81 mph). Cyclones are uncommon in this region, making Alfred a rare and dangerous event. The last cyclone to hit the area was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which caused widespread flooding. Over 4 million people are in the storm’s path, and authorities have warned of potential flooding in up to 20,000 homes in Brisbane, a city built on a river floodplain.
Residents Scramble to Prepare for the Worst
As the storm approaches, residents are taking drastic measures to secure their homes and supplies. Sandbags, a critical tool for preventing flood damage, are in short supply, leading some to purchase potting mix as an alternative. Damien Effeney, a rural supplies business executive, noted that many customers are opting for potting mix due to long queues and limited availability of sandbags. Some Brisbane residents have even resorted to stealing sand from a beach volleyball business to fill their own bags. Supermarkets have been stripped bare of essentials like bread, milk, and bottled water, while public transport has been suspended to ensure public safety.
Government Support and Wider Impacts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured residents that the government is fully prepared to support those in the storm’s path. Over 660 schools in southern Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales have been closed, and 310,000 sandbags have been delivered to Brisbane, with more on the way. However, the storm’s slower movement has raised concerns about prolonged rain and wind, which could exacerbate flooding and damage. Rivers across the region are already rising, and emergency teams are preparing for possible evacuations in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, residents in northern New South Wales have experienced power outages, with 4,500 homes and businesses affected by strong winds.
Daily Life Disrupted as the Storm Looms
The approaching cyclone has brought life in Brisbane and surrounding areas to a near standstill. Streets are empty, hospitals are limiting surgeries to emergencies only, and many businesses have closed temporarily. The delay in the storm’s landfall has given residents an extra day to prepare, but it has also extended the period of uncertainty and anxiety. Meteorologist Jane Golding warned that the slower progress of the cyclone means “we’ll have longer for the rain to fall and the wind to do damage.” With high tides and record-breaking waves already battering the coast, the situation remains precarious.
A Waiting Game as Cyclone Alfred Inches Closer
As Cyclone Alfred slowly approaches the Queensland coast, residents are in a state of heightened alert. The storm has already made its presence felt, with high winds, heavy rain, and rising rivers causing concern. While the government and emergency services are working tirelessly to support those in the storm’s path, the coming days will be critical. For now, it’s a waiting game for the millions of people bracing for the worst. With the cyclone’s landfall expected on Saturday, the focus remains on safety, preparation, and resilience in the face of this rare and powerful storm.
