A powerful tropical cyclone is looming, and residents in two states are being warned to prepare for the worst.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales, with the Bureau of Meteorology urging people to get ready for the potentially devastating impact.
What You Need to Know
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is urging residents of southeast Queensland to stock up on essentials like canned food and bottled water.
With the cyclone predicted to cross the coastline as a category 2 system on Thursday or early Friday, it’s crucial that people take action now to protect themselves and their homes.
The Potential Impact
The cyclone’s predicted path includes heavily populated areas around Brisbane, which is particularly flood-prone.
In fact, the city has been severely inundated three times in the past 15 years. Authorities are taking a proactive approach, moving to a preparatory footing several days ahead of the predicted impacts.
Unusual but Not Unprecedented
It’s unusual for a tropical cyclone to threaten landfall so far south of the tropics, but it’s not unprecedented.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that heavy rainfall will be concentrated to the south of wherever Alfred makes landfall, with the system potentially bringing 300mm to 600mm of rain over multiple days.
The Concerns
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has stressed that the rainfall is the main concern, saying, “When a system like that does cross the coast, generally speaking you have huge intensities to the south of the system, and that can produce really intense rainfall in a very, very short window.”
The city’s residents are also being warned about the potential for intense winds and storm surge in island communities and along the coast.
A Very Real Threat
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has stressed the “very real threat” to south-eastern Queensland, saying that many of the city’s residents have never experienced a cyclone before.
With waves up to 14 metres recorded off Wide Bay on Sunday, the situation is being taken very seriously.
What You Can Do
Residents in affected areas are being urged to take action now to prepare for the cyclone.
This includes stocking up on essentials, removing loose items from around the home, and having a plan in place in case of evacuation.
In NSW, the State Emergency Service is urging residents to prepare for damaging winds, large surf, and heavy rainfall, with major riverine and flash flooding expected from Wednesday.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s crucial that residents in affected areas stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred looming, preparation is key to minimizing the impact of this powerful storm.