Sydney: Australia is bracing for an unusual tropical cyclone along its east coast, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate ahead of the storm’s arrival. The cyclone, which is tracking towards Brisbane, is expected to bring destructive winds, torrential rain, and life-threatening flooding.
Storm warnings have been issued across a 500-kilometer (311-mile) stretch of coastline, affecting millions of residents in Queensland and New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Cyclone Alfred, currently intensifying, could make landfall near Brisbane early Friday as a category-two storm. Wind gusts of up to 155 kph (96 mph) are forecast, while some areas could receive up to 800 mm (31.5 inches) of rain—exceeding the region’s average rainfall for March.
Authorities Sound the Alarm
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that such an event is highly uncommon for the region.
“This is a very rare event for south-east Queensland … it has been many decades since this part of the state experienced [a cyclone],” Crisafulli said, urging residents to heed evacuation orders.
“If you are in a storm tide zone or you’re in an area where you know there is riverine flooding, you really need to consider and think about your evacuation plan now,” he added.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public that emergency resources, including heavy-lift helicopters, have been deployed. He also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing additional support if needed.
Preparations and Disruptions
With the cyclone’s arrival imminent, many residents have already evacuated, and authorities are rapidly setting up emergency shelters. Shortages of sandbags have been reported, while supermarket shelves have been emptied as people rush to stock up on essential supplies.
Queensland’s southeast and northern New South Wales have not experienced a cyclone of this magnitude since 1974. Brisbane last faced a cyclone threat in 1990, though the system shifted course before reaching the city.
In anticipation of the storm, schools in southeast Queensland will be closed, and public transport services will be suspended on Thursday and Friday. In New South Wales, 122 schools in the north will shut down, with vulnerable residents advised to relocate by Thursday morning.
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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged residents to prepare for challenging conditions.
“We need to bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time,” he said.
Travel and Sporting Events Affected
The looming cyclone has also disrupted travel and sporting events. Qantas has already canceled several flights from southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, with more expected in the coming days.
The extreme weather has also forced the cancellation of the WPGA Championship, a Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned golf event. Additionally, the Australian Football League (AFL) has postponed two matches scheduled to take place in southern Queensland.
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As authorities continue to monitor the cyclone’s path, residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay informed, follow evacuation directives, and prepare for potentially severe conditions in the days ahead.
