Australian authorities have mandated the evacuation of thousands of people along the nation’s eastern coast due to the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This Category 2 storm, which has already led to swollen rivers and power outages affecting around 80,000 homes in Queensland and New South Wales, is expected to make landfall on Saturday. As the storm nears, officials are urging residents to “prepare for the worst.”

While the slow progression of the storm has made its path challenging to predict, it is forecasted to hit land north of Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, with around 4 million people living in the potentially affected 400-kilometer stretch of coastline. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of being vigilant and ready to support each other amid the emergency. Dozens of evacuation centers have been set up, and flood warnings have been issued as parts of New South Wales have already received over 400 millimeters of rain.

Despite the severity of the situation, reports have surfaced of surfers and beachgoers taking advantage of the extreme conditions, prompting calls from authorities to prioritize safety over sightseeing. Cyclones are typically a phenomenon affecting Australia’s northwest and far northeast, making Alfred’s projected path southward an unusual occurrence.

Scientists have consistently highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like cyclones, wildfires, and floods as a consequence of the climate crisis. The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for preparedness in the face of severe weather patterns.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/australia-orders-evacuations-as-cyclone-alfred-approaches/a-71853689?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf