Cyclone Alfred: Anticipated Landfall and Impact on Brisbane, Australia

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to make landfall near Brisbane as a Category 2 storm, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone could impact over 3 million residents and is the first to hit Brisbane in over 50 years. Authorities are taking measures including sandbag distribution and evacuation planning to mitigate damage and ensure safety.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is projected to make landfall near Brisbane, Australia, as a Category 2 storm late Friday or early Saturday, delivering destructive winds and potential storm surges to this populous area. This cyclone is notable as it marks the first direct hit to Brisbane, home to 2.5 million residents, in over 50 years, raising concerns about significant flooding and damage.

Originating from the Coral Sea, Alfred is moving southwest and could bring dangerous conditions as it nears the Queensland coastline. It has caused alarm due to its trajectory hitting regions not typically affected by such storms, making its impact particularly concerning.

According to the Queensland Bureau of Meteorology, Cyclone Alfred is currently 225 kilometers east of Brisbane, moving slowly at 7 kilometers per hour. The storm is expected to intensify before landfall, gathering strength from warm ocean waters, potentially causing extensive damage upon arrival.

The cyclone is predicted to strike between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, impacting over 3 million residents. Experts forecast that intense weather will prevail from Thursday evening through Saturday morning, with effects lasting several days, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding as the storm moves inland.

As a Category 2 storm, Alfred possesses strong winds of 89 to 117 kilometers per hour, which pose risks such as property damage and power outages. Authorities are alerting that total rainfall might reach up to 800 millimeters in certain areas, further exacerbating flooding risk and disrupting life in the region significantly.

The cyclone is set to affect a 300-kilometer stretch of coastline from Maroochydore to Byron Bay, with Brisbane and the Gold Coast among the hardest-hit areas. local leaders estimate that up to 20,000 homes could face flooding as preparations are underway.

Residents are advised to take several precautions including securing windows and doors, stocking up on supplies, preparing emergency kits, and establishing evacuation plans. With intense wave activity already being reported, people are urged to refrain from coastal areas.

Public transport services around southeast Queensland are significantly halted, with all bus and train operations suspended and CityCat ferries stopped due to perilous conditions. Furthermore, many schools, flights, and essential services have also been disrupted.

In response, authorities have provided sandbags to protect flood-prone homes, and evacuation centers are being established for displaced residents. This proactive approach aims to minimize damages and safeguard the well-being of residents during this unprecedented storm.

Cyclone Alfred poses a significant threat as it approaches the eastern coast of Australia, specifically targeting Brisbane and surrounding regions. As the first cyclone to impact this area in decades, concerns regarding flooding, structural damage, and disruption to daily life are paramount. Local authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety ahead of the storm’s landfall.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com