Millions are preparing for the impact of the first cyclone to affect Queensland and New South Wales since 1974.
Millions of people on Australia’s east coast are preparing for their first tropical cyclone in over five decades as authorities advise residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate their homes.
Storm warnings have affected millions of people on Wednesday along more than 500km (311 miles) of coastline in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, with warnings that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could bring winds of up to 155km/h (96mph).
Alfred is forecasted to make landfall as a Category 2 storm early on Friday morning near Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city and the capital of Queensland, which is home to 2.5 million people.
The Australia Bureau of Meteorology stated that the total rainfall from the event could reach up to 800mm (31.5 inches) in some regions – more than the average total for March.
Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could result in life-threatening flash flooding.
“This is a very rare event for southeast Queensland … it has been many decades since this part of the state experienced [a cyclone],” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told reporters.
Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales have not been hit by a cyclone since 1974.
The last time a cyclone threatened Brisbane was in 1990, but it narrowly missed the city.
Crisafulli urged Queensland residents near coastal areas to follow evacuation orders.
“If the [cyclone], which has intensified, was to cross during high tide in the middle of the night, and you’re in that storm surge, the last place you want to be is in your home. So, now’s the time [to evacuate],” he stated.
“If you are in a storm tide zone or in an area prone to riverine flooding, you really need to consider and think about your evacuation plan now,” Crisafulli added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to “provide whatever resources are required” for state governments to conduct rescue operations.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also advised residents to “bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time”.
Minns said authorities are particularly concerned about communities along creeks and rivers expected to flood in northern New South Wales.
“The Northern Rivers community has gone through hell over the last few years,” Minns said, referring to floods in the area in 2022, when several rivers overflowed due to heavy rains.
Experts warn that Cyclone Alfred may be worst felt in areas south of the storm’s eye, along tourist beaches from the Gold Coast to northern New South Wales.
Thousands of residents have left their homes, with authorities working to open evacuation centers.
Supermarket shelves have been cleared as people stock up on essentials, while sandbags are also reportedly running low.
Storm warnings have affected millions of people on Wednesday along more than 500km (311 miles) of coastline in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, with warnings that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could bring winds of up to 155km/h (96mph).
Alfred is forecasted to make landfall as a Category 2 storm early on Friday morning near Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city and the capital of Queensland, which is home to 2.5 million people.
The Australia Bureau of Meteorology stated that the total rainfall from the event could reach up to 800mm (31.5 inches) in some regions – more than the average total for March.
Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could result in life-threatening flash flooding.
“This is a very rare event for southeast Queensland … it has been many decades since this part of the state experienced [a cyclone],” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told reporters.
Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales have not been hit by a cyclone since 1974.
The last time a cyclone threatened Brisbane was in 1990, but it narrowly missed the city.
Crisafulli urged Queensland residents near coastal areas to follow evacuation orders.
“If the [cyclone], which has intensified, was to cross during high tide in the middle of the night, and you’re in that storm surge, the last place you want to be is in your home. So, now’s the time [to evacuate],” he stated.
“If you are in a storm tide zone or in an area prone to riverine flooding, you really need to consider and think about your evacuation plan now,” Crisafulli added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to “provide whatever resources are required” for state governments to conduct rescue operations.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also advised residents to “bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time”.
Minns said authorities are particularly concerned about communities along creeks and rivers expected to flood in northern New South Wales.
“The Northern Rivers community has gone through hell over the last few years,” Minns said, referring to floods in the area in 2022, when several rivers overflowed due to heavy rains.
Experts warn that Cyclone Alfred may be worst felt in areas south of the storm’s eye, along tourist beaches from the Gold Coast to northern New South Wales.
Thousands of residents have left their homes, with authorities working to open evacuation centers.
Supermarket shelves have been cleared as people stock up on essentials, while sandbags are also reportedly running low.
