Tropical Cyclone Alfred has taken an unexpected right turn, with Premier David Crisafulli of Queensland alerting the public that the cyclone is now targeting the Queensland coast. After maintaining a generally southerly path for 12 days, Alfred altered its course on Tuesday as anticipated. The Premier took to social media to communicate the change in direction, emphasizing the need for Queenslanders to be prepared for and remain informed about the upcoming weather event.
Alfred is on track to become the first cyclone to make landfall in the state’s capital since 1974, with an expected impact either late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Earlier on Tuesday, the weather system was upgraded to a Category Two.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued tracking maps showing the storm’s predictions to hit somewhere between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with the southern regions expecting the most intense rainfall. The potential impact could extend to over 4 million individuals in south-east Queensland and northeastern New South Wales, with warnings of powerful wind gusts, significant rainfall leading to flash flooding, increased tides, and dangerous surf.
Sue Oates from the Bureau of Meteorology warned of tides surpassing 50 centimeters above the highest recorded levels near the point of landfall, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 700mm of rain over three days, leading to riverine flooding in the region.
While Premier Crisafulli acknowledged Queenslanders’ proven resilience in disaster situations, he cautioned against complacency, stressing the importance of preemptive measures despite the novelty of cyclone conditions for some residents, particularly in the southeast of the state, which has experienced flooding in the past.
Local governments across South East Queensland have been proactive, distributing thousands of sandbags over the past two days, with Brisbane City Council enhancing its supply. Despite the efforts, demand exceeded supply, with some residents reporting significant wait times.
Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy confirmed the availability of over 100,000 sandbags across the region on Tuesday, with additional supplies being ordered. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to visit Brisbane, joined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister to provide support.
As the Commonwealth prepares to offer support with the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet helicopters for recovery operations, the defense force stands at the ready, though they have not yet been mobilized. Alfred was situated 600 kilometers east of Brisbane and 570 kilometers east of the Gold Coast on Tuesday evening, moving southwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/tropical-cyclone-alfred-queensland-brisbane-update-landfall-direction-bom-weather-forecast
