At least 15,000 individuals in eastern Australia are under evacuation orders as Cyclone Alfred nears landfall, bringing with it dangerous winds and the threat of devastating flooding. The storm, approaching the capital of Queensland, Brisbane, had moved within 80 miles of the coast as of Friday, prompting local authorities to ramp up emergency measures.
As the cyclone heads toward Queensland's coastline, officials reported 29,000 homes in New South Wales are at risk of flooding, with about 38,000 residents currently without power. The tropical storm's slow movement at about 5 miles per hour could exacerbate the situation by prolonging rain and storm surges across affected areas. Local authorities have already initiated rescue missions due to flooding caused by abnormally high tides.
Forecasters project that Cyclone Alfred will deliver wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour and invoke life-threatening flash-flood conditions prior to its official landfall. It’s anticipated to be the first cyclone to impact the southeastern coast of Queensland since 1974, according to reports from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Schools and airports in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales have already closed, and public transportation has been halted as severe weather conditions loom. Despite the warnings, the approaching storm has attracted surfers to the coast, where some sought to ride the intense waves produced by Alfred's power.
In response to the looming disaster, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated he would authorize emergency federal funds to aid Queensland and New South Wales in their recovery efforts post-storm. The immediate future for thousands remains uncertain as communities brace for what could be a historic weather event.
As the cyclone heads toward Queensland's coastline, officials reported 29,000 homes in New South Wales are at risk of flooding, with about 38,000 residents currently without power. The tropical storm's slow movement at about 5 miles per hour could exacerbate the situation by prolonging rain and storm surges across affected areas. Local authorities have already initiated rescue missions due to flooding caused by abnormally high tides.
Forecasters project that Cyclone Alfred will deliver wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour and invoke life-threatening flash-flood conditions prior to its official landfall. It’s anticipated to be the first cyclone to impact the southeastern coast of Queensland since 1974, according to reports from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Schools and airports in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales have already closed, and public transportation has been halted as severe weather conditions loom. Despite the warnings, the approaching storm has attracted surfers to the coast, where some sought to ride the intense waves produced by Alfred's power.
In response to the looming disaster, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated he would authorize emergency federal funds to aid Queensland and New South Wales in their recovery efforts post-storm. The immediate future for thousands remains uncertain as communities brace for what could be a historic weather event.
