Cyclone Alfred Approaches Brisbane, Urging Evacuations as Impact Looms

SYDNEY, Australia — Authorities are taking drastic measures as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Brisbane, prompting evacuation orders for residents in flood-prone areas. The storm, classified as a Category 2 hurricane, is expected to make landfall early Friday, bringing destructive winds and significant rainfall.

Storm warnings stretched for 311 miles along the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales, impacting millions of residents. Winds gusting up to 96 mph could begin Thursday afternoon, leading to potential life-threatening flash floods, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

“This is a very rare event for southeast Queensland. It has been many decades since this part of the state experienced a cyclone,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated at a press briefing. He urged residents to take immediate action on their evacuation plans, especially those in storm tide zones or areas prone to riverine flooding.

The Australian Prime Minister announced the deployment of heavy-lift helicopters and promised to provide any necessary resources to state governments. Many residents have preemptively evacuated, and local authorities are working quickly to establish evacuation centers.

As the storm approaches, supplies are dwindling; sandbags are becoming hard to find, and supermarket shelves have been cleared as residents stock up on essentials. The last significant cyclone to threaten Brisbane occurred in 1990 when the system changed course just before landfall.

Schools across southeast Queensland will close Thursday and Friday, and public transport services will also be suspended. Additionally, 122 schools in northern New South Wales are closed for Wednesday and Thursday, while officials urge vulnerable populations to evacuate no later than Thursday morning. New South Wales Premier has stressed the importance of preparation as the community braces for the impending storm.

“We need to bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time,” he said.

Qantas has canceled multiple flights in anticipation of the cyclone, with more cancellations expected in the coming days as the situation develops.