Fears of Destruction as 'Erratic' Cyclone Nears Australia
Tens of thousands evacuated, widespread power outages as rare cyclone approaches eastern Australia.
A rare and powerful cyclone is on course to hit Australia’s eastern coast, with authorities warning of severe flooding, destructive winds, and widespread damage. Cyclone Alfred is set to make landfall on Saturday morning between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, impacting Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city.
This marks the first time in 50 years that a cyclone of this magnitude has reached so far south. Expected to land as a category two storm, Alfred is bringing wind speeds of up to 130 km/h. Already, it has triggered severe flooding, with authorities fearing conditions will deteriorate over the weekend. In New South Wales, a man is missing after his vehicle was swept into a fast-moving river.
With four million people across Queensland and northern New South Wales in the cyclone’s path, emergency preparations are in full swing. Alfred’s slow and unpredictable movement—described by meteorologists as “walking pace” and “erratic”—is heightening fears of prolonged heavy rain and dangerous flash floods. Forecasters predict up to 800mm of rainfall in the coming days.
Residents in affected areas have been making last-minute preparations. Stephen Valentine, who lives in Logan City near Brisbane, has stocked up on 30 liters of water and food supplies for his family and pets. He has also reinforced rooms in his home away from windows. “We are as prepared as we can be for something none of us have experienced before,” he said. “Cyclones don’t usually come this far south.”
Queensland, Australia’s most disaster-prone state, is no stranger to cyclones, but the threat to major population centers is rare. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the severity of the situation, urging residents to heed official warnings. “These are tough times, but Australians are tough and resilient,” he said on Thursday. Gold Coast’s acting Mayor Donna Gates echoed his concern, calling Cyclone Alfred a “scary proposition” for the region.
Authorities have implemented major safety measures: nearly 1,000 schools have closed, public transport is suspended, and airports are shut until at least Sunday. Elective surgeries have also been canceled. Supermarkets have closed, and residents are hunkering down to wait out the storm.
The last cyclone of this magnitude in the area was in 1974 when Cyclone Wanda and Cyclone Zoe struck just months apart. While cyclones are uncommon this far south, flooding remains a persistent threat—evidenced by the devastation of 2022 when torrential rain damaged thousands of homes along Australia’s east coast.
Emergency teams have distributed sandbags across the region to help residents protect their properties. Brisbane resident Anthony Singh described the eerie calm before the storm. “We know it’s coming, but it’s so quiet,” he said, after waiting four hours to collect sandbags. Another resident, Mark Clayton, helped shovel over 140 tonnes of sand for the community. “People are anxious. Are buildings going to hold up? Are we going to lose power for days?” he said.
Despite the risks, some surfers are taking advantage of the extreme conditions. “This is what we live for,” said Jeff Weatherall, who has spent five days surfing the powerful waves at Kirra Beach. “It’s crazy surf,” added fellow surfer Donnie Neal. “We know people are going to lose homes, but right now, we’re just making the most of it.”
However, authorities have warned against unnecessary risks. “This isn’t a time for sightseeing or experiencing these conditions firsthand,” Albanese said. “Please stay safe. Be sensible.”
As Australia braces for Cyclone Alfred’s impact, residents are left waiting in uncertainty, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
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