Thousands of Australians have been ordered to evacuate as Cyclone Alfred approaches the southeast coast, bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall. With power outages reported and rescue operations underway, authorities are closely monitoring the storm's trajectory and potential flooding impacts.
Australia Faces Evacuations and Power Outages as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
Australia Faces Evacuations and Power Outages as Cyclone Alfred Approaches
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is anticipated to make landfall in Queensland, prompting mass evacuations and power outages across the eastern coast of Australia.
At least 15,000 residents in Queensland and New South Wales have been issued evacuation orders as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, setting the stage for one of the most significant storms to strike the region in decades. The cyclone, expected to make landfall near Brisbane, has already caused flooding and significant damage with wind gusts reaching up to 75 miles per hour.
As of Friday afternoon, Alfred was reported about 80 miles offshore, creating urgent conditions for the coastal populations, with local officials identifying approximately 29,000 homes at risk of flooding. Alarmingly, over 38,000 residents in New South Wales and 46,000 in Queensland have already lost power, and flood rescues are currently in progress.
The authorities have expressed concerns over the cyclone's slow movement, which is anticipated to intensify rainfall and prolong storm surges that could devastate coastal communities, including Lismore, which has faced deadly flooding in recent years.
Preparations have seen hundreds of schools and various airports close, while public transport has been suspended across vulnerabilities along the eastern coastline. In an ironic twist, despite warnings, many surfers flocked to the beaches to ride the high waves formed by the storm's approach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged emergency federal funds to assist the recovery efforts in both states following the cyclone's impact. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated this cyclone could be the first to officially make landfall in southeastern Queensland since 1974, drawing significant public attention and concern.
As of Friday afternoon, Alfred was reported about 80 miles offshore, creating urgent conditions for the coastal populations, with local officials identifying approximately 29,000 homes at risk of flooding. Alarmingly, over 38,000 residents in New South Wales and 46,000 in Queensland have already lost power, and flood rescues are currently in progress.
The authorities have expressed concerns over the cyclone's slow movement, which is anticipated to intensify rainfall and prolong storm surges that could devastate coastal communities, including Lismore, which has faced deadly flooding in recent years.
Preparations have seen hundreds of schools and various airports close, while public transport has been suspended across vulnerabilities along the eastern coastline. In an ironic twist, despite warnings, many surfers flocked to the beaches to ride the high waves formed by the storm's approach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged emergency federal funds to assist the recovery efforts in both states following the cyclone's impact. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated this cyclone could be the first to officially make landfall in southeastern Queensland since 1974, drawing significant public attention and concern.
