For the first time in five decades, Queensland’s capital could face the impact of a tropical cyclone, with Cyclone Alfred forecast to make landfall on Mar. 6.
Meteorologists predict the system will reach the south-east corner of the state as a category one, and will potentially stretch over 150 kilometres from the Sunshine Coast to the state capital Brisbane, and to the Gold Coast/New South Wales border.
The last event to hit the heavily populated South-east Queensland region was Cyclone Zoe in 1974.
Currently classified as a category two system, Alfred is positioned in the Coral Sea, about 465 kilometres northeast of Brisbane, and is moving southeast.
Wind speeds near the cyclone’s centre have reached 95 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 130 kilometres. The system is already triggering massive waves up to 15 metres high, causing significant coastal erosion from Fraser Island to the Gold Coast.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed the state was monitoring the cyclone’s progress.
“We have been receiving briefings for a little over a week regarding tropical cyclone Alfred, but in the last 24 hours, things have firmed, and the likelihood of that system heading towards the coast has increased,” he said on March 2.
Crisafulli warned that while the storm’s timing is clearer, the exact landfall location remains uncertain.
Warnings Issued for Flooding and High Winds
A Flood Watch has been issued for areas from the Mary River to the New South Wales border, covering a significant portion of Queensland’s coastline.Unlike short-lived thunderstorms typical in the region, Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring prolonged, destructive winds.
Meteorologist Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology cautioned that these sustained winds could bring down trees and damage properties.
Heavy rainfall is another major concern, with the potential for life-threatening flash flooding. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels in population hubs like Maryborough, Noosa, Brisbane, Logan, and Albert.
The premier stressed that widespread flooding could severely impact more than 3 million residents.
Impact on Events and Evacuation Plans
Emergency response teams are on high alert, with generators deployed to Bay Island communities where residents may need to evacuate.The State Emergency Service (SES) in New South Wales is advising people to prepare for high winds, large surf, and significant flooding from Mar. 5.
The cyclone is also raising concerns for major sporting events.
The AFL’s season opener between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions is scheduled for Mar. 6 in Brisbane, while the NRL match between the Dolphins and Rabbitohs is set for next day at Suncorp Stadium.
The AFL has stated it will monitor conditions and follow government advice.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey urged communities to take precautions.
“We are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that if you are asked to evacuate, you have a plan for yourselves, your families, and your pets, and know where you will go,” he said.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib echoed similar comments, while urging residents to download the “Hazards Near Me” app for real-time updates.
“We also ask you to make sure that you avoid any potential flooded areas. Don’t drive through flooded waters, don’t play in flooded waters, don’t walk through flooded waters.”
