Devastating winds and heavy rains from Cyclone Alfred are causing destruction in Queensland, Australia.
After weakening from a Category 2 tropical cyclone, Alfred still caused significant damage along a 400km stretch of the coast.
As of Sunday, 316,540 people were without power in southeast Queensland, with the Gold Coast city being the most affected area, according to energy distributor Energex.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Sunday that the situation in Queensland and northern New South Wales remains critical due to flooding and strong winds.
Heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and coastal impacts are expected to continue in the coming days, as warned by the Prime Minister in Canberra.
Areas of Brisbane have been severely hit by floodwaters, caused by heavy rainfall and high river and sea levels associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. #9News
Watch live: https://t.co/mzkmCL0m8epic.twitter.com/jcElfr8C3n
— 9News Queensland https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1898592178718294080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In Hervey Bay, over 230mm of rain fell within six hours on Sunday morning, according to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
Flash flooding in homes and businesses has occurred due to the heavy rain, and emergency services have carried out multiple rescues in what has been described as one of the area’s worst weather emergencies.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding in Brisbane, as well as in Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and Gympie.
Damaging winds with gusts of up to 90km/h were also possible in the state, as reported by the Bureau.
Brisbane airport reopened on Sunday but warned that ongoing weather could affect schedules.
Queensland will decide later on Sunday if the approximately 1,000 state schools closed due to the weather will reopen on Monday.
Neighboring New South Wales (NSW) confirmed that all public schools closed on Friday due to Cyclone Alfred will remain closed on Monday.
On Saturday, one man died in a flood in northern NSW.
Additionally, 13 Australian Defence Force soldiers were injured in a road collision while on their way to assist residents in Lismore, NSW; two remain in serious condition.
This is the first cyclone to cross the east Australian coast near Brisbane since 1974.
