Fresh dangers as Cyclone Alfred slows down
Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall later than first expected, prolonging the nervous waiting game for millions of residents.
Cyclone Alfred has slowed down while tracking towards land bringing fresh dangers as Brisbane and surrounds come to a standstill.
A BOM update at 6am on Thursday (AEDT) had the category two storm about 325 kilometres east of Brisbane.
Alfred was travelling west at just 7km/h, meaning the anticipated crossing of its destructive core will be during Friday – later than previously indicated.
The slowdown of the looming cyclone may prolong the nervous waiting game for millions of residents in two states, as the first effects start to be felt.
Early on Thursday, heavy spurts of rain and sudden gusts began hitting Brisbane’s bayside, where some predictions have Alfred making landfall.
The tropical storm’s stalling increased the dangers, according to Weatherzone, meaning wild conditions would last longer and intensify as it approached.
“Tropical Cyclone Alfred slowed down on Wednesday and is now predicted to make landfall later than previously expected, which might expose parts of south-east Queensland and north-east NSW to severe weather for longer,” Weatherzone said.
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Alfred was already lashing parts of north-east NSW and south-east Qld with powerful winds, squally showers and massive waves on Wednesday.
“This dangerous weather will now persist for longer and continue to intensify as Alfred approaches the coast on Thursday into Friday,” Weatherzone said.
Alfred’s storm surge could cause severe flooding if it coincides with the high tide.
“The timing of Alfred’s coastal approach is important for the extent and severity of coastal inundation and erosion,” the forecaster said.
BOM said gales with damaging wind gusts to 120km/h were already developing near the coast from Coolangatta, on the Queensland-NSW border, to Ballina in northern NSW.
Similar gales and gusts are expected to develop along the remaining south-east Queensland and north-eastern NSW communities during Thursday.
Late Thursday or early Friday, the gusts may hit 155km/h on the cyclone’s southern flank as it approaches and makes landfall.
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BOM has warned of dangerous storm tides as far south as Cape Byron if the crossing coincides with a high tide.
Heavy rain may develop in south-east Queensland and north-eastern NSW from Thursday night, leading to potentially life-threatening flooding.
Queensland’s south-east and northern NSW have begun to shut down as authorities bolster the region. Hundreds of schools, public transport, major roads and Gold Coast airport are closed on Thursday.
Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to leave to stay with family and friends or head to evacuation centres.
The SES said residents of northern NSW are to be ready to evacuate and 12 evacuation centres have been opened.
NSW Premier Chris Minns urged northern rivers residents to prepare, just three years after flooding devastated the region. Minns said Thursday was the “day to act” and to avoid floodwaters.
Millions bracing for the impact have been told to stay indoors.
About 20,000 properties in the Brisbane area face flooding, as the category two system heads for the city ahead of crossing the coast on Friday.
“When events like this happen, people realise truly what’s important in life – you are what’s important in life,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.
“Of course you should do all the preparation to protect your property … but humans are worth more than any material possession.”
The federal government has activated Australian Defence Force assistance and local council disaster grants.
Elective surgeries have been put on hold but emergency departments remain open.
Qantas has cancelled flights, Carnival Luminosa’s three-day cruise was called off and Greyhound bus services from Brisbane have been axed.
