Updated / Wednesday, 5 Mar 2025 00:00
Australia’s east coast is preparing for the arrival of a tropical cyclone that is moving towards Brisbane, the country’s third-most populous city.
Authorities warned that thousands of properties are at risk from strong winds and flash flooding.
Destructive wind gusts of up to 155km/h could develop from tomorrow with Tropical Cyclone Alfred expected to cross the coast as a category-two storm on Friday near Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia’s weather forecaster said.
The system will bring heavy rainfall leading to life-threatening flash floods, the Bureau of Meteorology added.
Category two cyclones are three levels away from the most dangerous and can cause major damage to trees and mobile homes, and break boats from their moorings.
“If you’re told to leave, you should leave. I can’t be more blunt than that,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told ABC News, calling on residents to heed evacuation orders.
Storm warnings stretch for more than 500km in coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales, impacting millions of people.
More than 120 schools in northern New South Wales are closed and vulnerable residents will be urged to relocate, state Premier Chris Minns said.
“We need to bunker down over the next 48 hours and get through what may be a very difficult time,” he told reporters.
Many residents have left their homes as authorities rush to open evacuation centres.
Sandbags are in short supply and supermarket shelves have been stripped bare as people stock up on essentials.
Theme parks in the tourist city of Gold Coast have been closed.
The Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned WPGA Championship event has been called off and the season-opening matches of the Australian Football League in Brisbane postponed.
