Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall south of Brisbane in the early hours of Friday, marking the most southerly cyclone to hit Australia’s eastern coast in more than 50 years. The storm, packing winds equivalent to a Category 1 Atlantic hurricane, has already prompted flight cancellations, school closures, and major event disruptions across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW).
Gold Coast Airport has suspended all flights, with Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar grounding services as the terminal shuts down in preparation for the cyclone’s arrival. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the storm a rare occurrence, as this region is not typically affected by tropical cyclones.
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Emergency services have issued warnings for potential flooding, flash floods, and hazardous surf conditions, with waves expected to exceed five meters. Coastal residents have been advised to evacuate, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to storm surges.
Authorities continue to monitor Cyclone Alfred closely as it approaches, and further updates are expected as the storm nears the coast. Preparations are in full swing, with residents sandbagging homes and stocking up on supplies.
