Cyclone Alfred Expected to Make Landfall near Brisbane as Severe Weather Approaches
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to make landfall near Brisbane as a Category 2 storm on Friday or Saturday, potentially causing severe flooding and damages not seen in the region for over 50 years. The cyclone’s trajectory is significant due to its approach to populated areas unaccustomed to such events. Authorities are taking measures to mitigate potential impacts, including sandbag distribution and public transport suspension.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall near Brisbane, Australia, classified as a Category 2 storm, this coming Friday or Saturday. This rare cyclone is poised to bring destructive winds and hazardous storm surges to the eastern coast of Australia, marking the first such event in over 50 years for a city of 2.5 million residents. Authorities are concerned about possible severe flooding and damage due to the region’s unfamiliarity with direct cyclone impacts.
Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 tropical cyclone, is on a trajectory towards Australia’s densely populated southeastern coast, originating from the Coral Sea. The storm unexpectedly altered its course in the Pacific Ocean, heading toward the mainland, and is forecasted to arrive with heavy rain and life-threatening storm surges. Cyclones usually form in northern Australia; however, Alfred’s approach is significant because it targets a cooler area where cyclones are uncommon.
The cyclone is projected to hit late Friday night or early Saturday morning. As of 08:54 GMT on Thursday, Alfred was located 225 kilometers east of Brisbane, moving slowly at 7 kilometers per hour. Experts indicate that this slow movement has allowed for storm intensification, with the cyclone drawing energy from warm ocean waters.
The anticipated landfall will occur between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, affecting regions with a combined population exceeding 3 million. Alfred’s impact is expected to persist for several days, with the most severe conditions occurring from Thursday evening to Saturday morning, potentially extending into the following week.
Currently, Alfred’s classification as a Category 2 storm comes with winds ranging from 89 to 117 kilometers per hour, capable of causing significant damage and power outages. Rainfall could reach up to 800 millimeters in some areas, with wind gusts potentially reaching 155 kilometers per hour. Authorities are preparing for substantial impacts, including flooding in low-lying areas.
The cyclone is poised to affect a 300-kilometer stretch of coastline from Maroochydore to Byron Bay, with Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and northern New South Wales being the most vulnerable regions. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane has warned that as many as 20,000 homes might experience flooding due to the cyclone’s arrival.
Residents are advised to take preparations seriously, such as securing windows and doors, stocking up on essential supplies, and planning for potential evacuations. With significant wave heights already impacting beaches, authorities emphasize avoiding coastal areas during the storm.
Public transport services in southeast Queensland have been severely disrupted, with all bus and train services suspended. Brisbane’s CityCat ferries have also ceased operations due to unsafe conditions on the river.
More than 700 schools in Queensland and northern New South Wales are closed. Major airlines have canceled flights, and the Gold Coast Airport shut down operations as a precaution. In response, authorities have arranged for the distribution of sandbags to safeguard flood-prone areas, and military support is in place to assist.
Overall, Cyclone Alfred presents a significant threat to Brisbane and surrounding regions, with extensive preparations underway to mitigate damage and ensure public safety as the cyclone approaches.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is set to impact Brisbane and its surrounding regions as a Category 2 storm, with significant risk for flooding, strong winds, and storm surges. Preparations are in place, including the suspension of public transport and school closures, highlighting the seriousness of this cyclone. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
