Brisbane Prepares for Impact of Cyclone Alfred

As Australia's third-largest city, Brisbane is facing its most significant storm threat in decades as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, expected to make landfall imminently.

The eastern coast of Australia is under severe weather alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves closer to Brisbane, threatening extensive flooding and damaging wind gusts. The cyclone, which is categorized as slow-moving, was observed about 150 miles offshore, generating dangerous waves. Residents of Brisbane, comprising approximately 2.7 million people, are being urged to prepare for potential evacuations as the cyclone approaches.

Warnings indicate that some regions may experience wind gusts reaching 95 miles per hour, and local authorities are advising that low-lying areas face significant risks of flooding. This cyclone marks the first to hit the southeastern coast of Queensland since 1974, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, heightening fears among locals.

In anticipation of the storm, over 900 schools and numerous airports have been closed, and public transport services are being suspended in both Queensland and northern New South Wales. Grocery store supplies have depleted as residents stock up on essentials and line up to obtain sandbags. This change in the cyclone's course, initially expected to remain offshore, has left many scrambling to prepare.

Despite the storm preparations, the sizable swells from the cyclone have attracted enthusiastic surfers, drawing crowds to the coastline. Meteorologists caution that the cyclone's slow trajectory could result in prolonged rainfall and heightened storm surges, particularly threatening areas like Lismore, which suffered catastrophic floods last year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced governmental support to assist Queensland and New South Wales following the storm's aftermath. The Australian government is ready to allocate emergency funds for recovery efforts post-cyclone.