Millions of people in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales are preparing for Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to reach land tomorrow.
Over 4 million people have been warned that the cyclone will hit on Saturday morning. It will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and a risk of flash flooding. Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and be prepared for severe weather.
Cyclone Alfred is now expected to make landfall on Saturday morning. Earlier, the Bureau of Meteorology predicted it would arrive on Thursday night or Friday morning.
On Wednesday night, the cyclone slowed down to 7 km/h and continued moving slowly on Thursday. It also made two unexpected loops off the coast, changing the forecast for when and where it will hit.
On Thursday evening, powerful winds up to 120 km/h hit the coast between Moreton Island and Byron Bay.
Huge 12-metre waves were recorded off the Gold Coast.
By Friday at noon (AEDT), the cyclone was moving west/south-west at 8 km/h, with wind gusts reaching 140 km/h near its center.
After making landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken into a tropical low, bringing heavy rain. Rainfall could reach 350 to 450 mm per day, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
Where Will Cyclone Alfred Hit?
Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact south-east Queensland and parts of north-east New South Wales.
On Friday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology predicted the cyclone would cross the coast near Moreton Bay, between Noosa and Coolangatta.
People living between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, including Brisbane, are at high risk. The warning covers areas from Double Island Point to Grafton, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Byron Bay. However, Grafton itself is not in the warning zone.
The northern NSW towns of Ballina and Lismore are also preparing for the cyclone. Strong winds and other effects could reach areas beyond the listed warning zones.
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How Close Is Cyclone Alfred to Brisbane?
As of 12pm on Friday, Cyclone Alfred was about 150 km east/north-east of Brisbane and moving slowly west.
The storm had wind gusts of up to 140 km/h near its center and was classified as a category 2 cyclone. It is expected to stay at this strength until it reaches land.
The weather bureau is closely monitoring the cyclone as it moves toward the coast.
