Tropical Cyclone Alfred is nearing landfall near Brisbane as a Category 2 storm, expected late Friday or early Saturday. This event raises concerns for the densely populated area, marking the first cyclone impact in over 50 years. Experts warn of damaging winds, heavy rain, and unprecedented flooding as local authorities prepare for significant disruptions.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is anticipated to make landfall near Brisbane, Australia, as a Category 2 storm, either late Friday or early Saturday. This cyclone poses a significant threat, bringing destructive winds and dangerous storm surges to the eastern coast, affecting regions unaccustomed to such severe weather. The event marks the first cyclone to impact the city in over 50 years, raising concerns over potential flooding and infrastructure damage.
Originating in the Coral Sea, Cyclone Alfred made an unexpected turn towards the mainland after forming in the Pacific Ocean. As it approaches, the cyclone threatens densely populated areas of Queensland, likely to be hit by strong winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening storm surges, as noted by Queensland’s Bureau of Meteorology. The last cyclone to directly affect Brisbane, Cyclone Zoe, occurred in 1974.
The forecast indicates that Alfred will strike between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. As of Thursday morning, the cyclone was approximately 225 kilometers east of Brisbane, moving slowly at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour. This slow movement allows the storm to intensify, gathering energy from warm ocean waters. As weather conditions worsen, authorities expect significant disruptions through the weekend into early next week.
Currently classified as a Category 2 storm, Alfred’s maximum winds are estimated between 89 to 117 kilometers per hour, capable of uprooting trees and causing property damage. Moreover, forecasters predict total rainfall could reach as much as 800 millimeters (31.5 inches). Disruptive wind gusts are also expected, intensifying the potential for infrastructural damage across affected areas.
The cyclone is set to impact a 300-kilometer stretch of coastline from Maroochydore to Byron Bay, including populous regions like Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Officials project significant flooding could affect up to 20,000 homes in Brisbane. In preparation, local authorities have recommended various safety measures, including securing windows with shutters and stocking essential supplies in anticipation of emergency conditions.
Public transportation services throughout southeast Queensland are heavily disrupted, with all bus and train services suspended. Additionally, over 700 schools have been closed, and major airlines have cancelled flights due to adverse weather conditions. Schools, hospitals, and transport services are shutting down to ensure public safety as the region braces for the incoming storm.
In response, the federal government has deployed 250,000 sandbags to protect flood-prone areas, with military support providing an additional 80,000 sandbags. The Brisbane Showgrounds will operate as a shelter for those lacking safe accommodations. Evacuation centers are also being set up across the region to assist residents whose homes may become uninhabitable due to the cyclone’s impact.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred presents a significant threat to Brisbane and surrounding regions as it approaches landfall, classified as a Category 2 storm. With its potential for destructive winds and heavy rainfall, authorities are enacting emergency measures, including transportation shutdowns and resource distribution for flood protection. The cyclone’s rare impact on this area necessitates vigilant preparation and community response as the storm is projected to affect thousands of people.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
