With Cyclone Alfred rapidly approaching, about 15,000 individuals have been ordered to evacuate along Australia’s eastern coastline, as authorities prepare for unprecedented flooding and wind damage. Affected regions face significant power outages and transportation disruptions, with emergency funds allocated for recovery.
Urgent Evacuations as Cyclone Alfred Approaches Australia’s Eastern Coast
Urgent Evacuations as Cyclone Alfred Approaches Australia’s Eastern Coast
Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens Queensland and New South Wales, prompting mass evacuations and infrastructure closures.
At least 15,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the eastern coast of Australia, threatening severe damage with its powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The storm, expected to make landfall near Brisbane—home to approximately 2.7 million people—has already prompted emergency services to conduct flood rescues in affected areas.
As of Friday afternoon, Alfred was located roughly 80 miles offshore and fluctuating storm surges caused by unusually high tides were reported, leading to flooding across parts of Queensland and New South Wales. In New South Wales alone, officials indicated that around 29,000 homes were at risk of flooding, further intensifying the urgency of evacuation orders for approximately 15,000 residents. The storm has also left about 38,000 people without power in New South Wales and another 46,000 in Queensland.
Authorities are cautioning that Cyclone Alfred's slow movement, clocking in at about 5 miles per hour, could exacerbate the risks faced by coastal communities by extending heavy rainfall and storm surges. Among the areas facing critical threat is Lismore, which saw catastrophic flooding in 2022 that claimed 22 lives.
On Friday, coastal locations experienced wind gusts reaching cerca 75 miles per hour. Meteorologists have warned of potential life-threatening flash flooding even before the cyclone’s anticipated landfall, marking the first cyclone to impact the southeastern coast of Queensland since 1974.
Earlier in the week, numerous schools and airports were closed, with public transport services suspended as a precautionary measure across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Store shelves have reportedly been stripped bare as residents prepared for the worst. As tension grew, some surfers flocked to beaches to ride the cyclone-induced waves, even amidst volatility.
In response to the emergency, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged federal support to assist recovery efforts in the affected states. The coming hours and days will be critical as the authorities urge remaining residents to heed evacuation orders to safeguard lives.
As of Friday afternoon, Alfred was located roughly 80 miles offshore and fluctuating storm surges caused by unusually high tides were reported, leading to flooding across parts of Queensland and New South Wales. In New South Wales alone, officials indicated that around 29,000 homes were at risk of flooding, further intensifying the urgency of evacuation orders for approximately 15,000 residents. The storm has also left about 38,000 people without power in New South Wales and another 46,000 in Queensland.
Authorities are cautioning that Cyclone Alfred's slow movement, clocking in at about 5 miles per hour, could exacerbate the risks faced by coastal communities by extending heavy rainfall and storm surges. Among the areas facing critical threat is Lismore, which saw catastrophic flooding in 2022 that claimed 22 lives.
On Friday, coastal locations experienced wind gusts reaching cerca 75 miles per hour. Meteorologists have warned of potential life-threatening flash flooding even before the cyclone’s anticipated landfall, marking the first cyclone to impact the southeastern coast of Queensland since 1974.
Earlier in the week, numerous schools and airports were closed, with public transport services suspended as a precautionary measure across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Store shelves have reportedly been stripped bare as residents prepared for the worst. As tension grew, some surfers flocked to beaches to ride the cyclone-induced waves, even amidst volatility.
In response to the emergency, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged federal support to assist recovery efforts in the affected states. The coming hours and days will be critical as the authorities urge remaining residents to heed evacuation orders to safeguard lives.
