Australia has ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents from its eastern regions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred advances toward the coast. The storm, expected to make landfall on Saturday, has already brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and massive waves, causing widespread power outages and disrupting transportation networks. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Alfred is moving slowly toward the coast and is forecast to strike north of Brisbane as a Category 2 cyclone.
Authorities warn that its sluggish pace could lead to prolonged periods of heavy rain, heightening the risk of flooding in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the urgency of evacuations, stating that numerous shelters had been opened as a last resort. “The evacuation centres are a last resort,” Crisafulli said during a press briefing on Friday. Wind speeds exceeding 100 kph (62 mph) battered the coastal areas overnight, intensifying concerns about damage and disruption.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred forces mass evacuations across Queensland
As the cyclone edged closer, it was reported to be 120 km (75 miles) from Brisbane and 85 km (53 miles) from Gold Coast, one of Australia’s major tourist destinations. The impact has already severed power to more than 80,000 homes, with half of the outages concentrated in the Gold Coast region. In response to the worsening conditions, Brisbane Airport has ceased operations since Thursday, and public transport services in the city have been suspended.
Additionally, authorities have shut down over 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales, prioritizing public safety amid the extreme weather. The cyclone’s arrival comes as Australia grapples with an already intense weather season. Emergency services remain on high alert, with rescue teams prepared to respond to potential flash flooding and property damage. Residents have been urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official weather advisories. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.