Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to hit the southeastern coast of Australia, bringing strong winds and potential flooding to millions of residents. The storm’s equivalent strength is that of a category 1 Atlantic hurricane, making it rare for the region.
The last cyclone to affect an area similar in strength was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, causing major flooding in Brisbane and NSW’s Northern Rivers region. With the city’s population nearly doubling since then, experts warn that the worst effects may be felt south of the storm’s eye, along popular tourist beaches from the Gold Coast to northern NSW.
Coastal management researcher Darrell Strauss notes that areas will face a combination of storm surge, high waves, and coastal erosion. Creeks and rivers in northern NSW are expected to flood, threatening temporary housing and homes left uninhabitable after 2022’s heavy rain events.
As of Wednesday, Cyclone Alfred is approximately 400 kilometers off the coast, moving west with winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Authorities have issued warnings about potential flooding and advised residents to take necessary precautions.
Residents in Brisbane are sandbagging their homes and stocking up on food and water, while authorities estimate 20,000 properties could be impacted by storm surge or flash flooding. Beaches in northern NSW and the Queensland coast have been closed due to hazardous surf, with waves potentially reaching 10 meters high.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has urged residents near vulnerable coastal areas to follow evacuation orders. Schools will close in affected areas on Thursday and Friday, and major sporting events have been canceled.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/04/australia/cyclone-alfred-brisbane-nsw-intl-hnk/index.html