Australia’s east coast is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Brisbane, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately. Stretching over 500 kilometers across Queensland and New South Wales, the storm threatens millions with destructive wind gusts of up to 155 km/h from Thursday afternoon. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 storm early Friday near Brisbane.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns of up to 800 mm of rainfall, surpassing March’s average total and posing life-threatening flash flood risks. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the rarity of such a storm in southeast Queensland, urging residents to finalize evacuation plans. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured federal support, deploying heavy-lift helicopters and resources to aid the affected states.
Evacuation centers are filling up as residents flee their homes, with shortages of sandbags and essentials reported. Brisbane hasn’t faced a cyclone threat since 1990, while the last major cyclone hit the region in 1974. Authorities are preparing for severe impacts, with schools and public transport shutting down across southeast Queensland from Thursday. New South Wales has also ordered 122 school closures and urged vulnerable residents to relocate.
Major disruptions extend to air travel, as Qantas cancels multiple flights in affected areas, with more expected. The Ladies European Tour WPGA Championship event has been called off, and the Australian Football League postponed two matches in southern Queensland.
Source: Swifteradio.com
