**As Storm Alfred approaches, Queensland and northern New South Wales brace for severe weather and ongoing power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. Emergency services urge public caution as evacuations and closures continue.**
**Australia Faces Severe Storm Impact: Over 300,000 Without Power as Storm Alfred Approaches**
**Australia Faces Severe Storm Impact: Over 300,000 Without Power as Storm Alfred Approaches**
**Tropical storm Alfred nears Australia's east coast as authorities warn of continued danger and extensive outages.**
More than 300,000 residences are currently experiencing power outages as Storm Alfred, having been downgraded from cyclone status to a tropical low, lashes Australia's eastern coastline with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Local authorities state that the storm continues to pose a significant threat.
Severe weather conditions have already caused downed trees and power lines, leading to widespread flooding in vulnerable areas across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The storm is on path to make landfall near Brisbane, expected to push deeper inland later on Saturday. Evacuation orders have been issued for tens of thousands of residents, while others are advised to remain indoors.
With four million individuals situated within the storm’s trajectory, dozens of weather alerts remain active in both states. Emergency services are collaborating with energy companies as reports indicate some affected households could be left without electricity for multiple days. Energex reports approximately 287,000 customers in south eastern Queensland are facing outages, complemented by Essential Energy’s announcement that over 42,600 homes in New South Wales are similarly impacted.
Despite Brisbane’s upgrade to a safer outlook following Alfred's downgrade, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cautioned that “the worst is yet to come.” The Gold Coast has witnessed relentless storms for several days, with current conditions still dangerous, including strong winds and torrential rainfall that have downed numerous power lines and trees.
“The emergency is ongoing,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized, urging the public not to disregard the risks posed by the storm, irrespective of its classification change. Emergency operations are preparing for continued flooding, according to regulatory authorities.
In response to the severe weather, nearly 1,000 schools have closed, public transportation services are suspended, airports have halted operations, and elective surgeries have been postponed, with flights expected to remain grounded until at least Sunday.
Residents of Brisbane’s homeless community have found refuge at Emmanuel City Mission, which has converted into a round-the-clock shelter. Reports from the Gold Coast highlight property damage; a fallen tree has destroyed sections of a holiday park, and nearby, a boat has been found partially submerged in local canals. Many beach access paths have collapsed, and clean-up efforts will be delayed as dangerous conditions persist throughout the areas hit hardest by the storm. Staying vigilant and indoors remains essential for many local residents for the time being.
