As Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, residents face the threat of severe flooding and damaging winds. Expected to make landfall late this Friday or Saturday, Alfred marks a significant weather event for the region, which hasn't experienced a similar cyclone since 1974.
Brisbane Prepares for Impact as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
Brisbane Prepares for Impact as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
Authorities issue warnings ahead of the first cyclone to hit southeastern Queensland in decades.
The northeastern coast of Australia is bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, poised to hit southeastern Queensland and potentially affect millions in Brisbane. As the storm's outer fringes start to impact areas like Coolangatta, local officials are sounding alarms for residents and issuing evacuation warnings.
On Thursday, the cyclone was reported approximately 150 miles from Brisbane, where authorities warned about towering waves, significant storm surges, and wind gusts that may reach 95 miles per hour. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that low-lying neighborhoods, with tens of thousands of potential flooding sites, should prepare for the worst.
As public preparations continued, more than 900 schools closed, airports suspended operations, and public transportation was halted in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales ahead of the impending cyclone. Grocery store shelves were rapidly emptied by residents stocking up on essential supplies, while others lined up for sandbags to protect their homes.
Despite the warnings, the incoming storm brought a crowd of surfers hoping to ride the massive waves, highlighting a mix of dread and excitement in the community. The slow movement of Alfred could exacerbate the potential impacts, resulting in extended periods of heavy rainfall and increased coastal flooding.
Lismore, a city that experienced severe floods in 2022, stands out among communities at risk as the storm approaches. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to approving emergency federal funds for necessary recovery efforts in the wake of the storm.
This weather system serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by climate phenomena, and authorities are prepared to assist in the aftermath, ensuring that the affected communities receive the help they need.
On Thursday, the cyclone was reported approximately 150 miles from Brisbane, where authorities warned about towering waves, significant storm surges, and wind gusts that may reach 95 miles per hour. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that low-lying neighborhoods, with tens of thousands of potential flooding sites, should prepare for the worst.
As public preparations continued, more than 900 schools closed, airports suspended operations, and public transportation was halted in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales ahead of the impending cyclone. Grocery store shelves were rapidly emptied by residents stocking up on essential supplies, while others lined up for sandbags to protect their homes.
Despite the warnings, the incoming storm brought a crowd of surfers hoping to ride the massive waves, highlighting a mix of dread and excitement in the community. The slow movement of Alfred could exacerbate the potential impacts, resulting in extended periods of heavy rainfall and increased coastal flooding.
Lismore, a city that experienced severe floods in 2022, stands out among communities at risk as the storm approaches. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to approving emergency federal funds for necessary recovery efforts in the wake of the storm.
This weather system serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by climate phenomena, and authorities are prepared to assist in the aftermath, ensuring that the affected communities receive the help they need.
