A tropical cyclone, identified as Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Alfred, is currently situated approximately 930 kilometers north-east of Mackay in the Coral Sea. This slow-moving system is expected to continue its southward trajectory through the Coral Sea over the next few days. Forecasters from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that while there’s a possibility the cyclone may strengthen into a category 3 system, it is likely to remain at a safe distance from land. However, the path that the cyclone will take after this– including the possibility of moving towards the central Queensland coast– remains uncertain.
Although some forecasts suggest the cyclone might be steered towards the Queensland coast, possibly as a weakening system, it is currently projected to remain offshore. A senior meteorologist, Dean Narramore, confirmed that the cyclone is far enough from the coast to have minimal impact. NarraMore also noted that certain scenarios could bring the cyclone closer to the coast by the weekend or early next week, while others might see it move further south-east, away from Queensland.
Residents in central and south-east Queensland are advised to stay informed with the latest updates and warnings regarding the cyclone’s progress. Meanwhile, another significant story is making headlines: a man named Aurimas Mockus, who has been rowing across the Pacific for months, is now facing an unexpected challenge as he nears Australia — the threat posed by Cyclone Alfred. Additionally, parts of north and central Queensland are dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding events and record rainfall in 2025. These floods have unfortunately been accompanied by an increase in cases of a deadly bacterial infection known as melioidosis, with reports of nine deaths and 53 cases in Cairns, and another three deaths in Townsville since January. Melioidosis spreads through contact with contaminated water, soil, and air, and is prevalent during the wet season.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/26/tropical-cyclone-alfred-update-queensland-landfall-bom-weather-forecast
