Severe Weather Expected as Cyclone Alfred Moves Closer
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall along the southeast Queensland coast later this week. Authorities warn of strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding as the system approaches.
Scroll down to see the current position of Cyclone Alfred.
According to the tracker live, the system remains a Category 2 cyclone and continues to strengthen. The latest on Alfred suggests it will hit land between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, potentially late Thursday or early Friday morning.
Also Read: Western Power Outages Leave Thousands Without Electricity in Perth
Weather Update by Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury (BOM):
Current Cyclone Alfred Forecast
As of Tuesday morning, the tropical cyclone track map shows Alfred located about 550 km east of Brisbane Airport. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a tropical cyclone watch from Sandy Cape, Queensland, to northern New South Wales.
Figure 1: Cyclone Alfred: Current Position [Windy]
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said, “We’re likely to see the strongest impacts close to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast or to the south, as the heaviest rain and strongest winds generally wrap around that southern flank of a tropical cyclone.”
The system is expected to bring damaging winds up to 120 km/h, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening flash flooding.
Current Position of Cyclone Alfred:
National Weather Forecast 5 March 2025: Heatwaves in the north & west, wet & windy for northern NSW.
Video current: 4:00pm AEDT Tuesday 4 March 2025.
For the latest forecasts and warnings go to our website https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/qm02KQ5Did
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 4, 2025
Key Risks and Warnings
Coastal Hazards and Flooding
Authorities have issued a coastal hazard warning from Sandy Cape to Smokey Cape in New South Wales. The region could experience damaging surf, high tides, and coastal erosion.
Wave heights are expected to reach 4 to 6 metres over the next few days. By Thursday and Friday, waves could rise to 9 metres, making offshore conditions extremely dangerous.
Rainfall forecasts indicate 200 to 400 mm of rain across southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. Some areas could see up to 700 mm, increasing the risk of major riverine flooding.
Sandbag Demand Surges
Residents have rushed to collect sandbags, leading to long queues at distribution points. Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner said, “We supplied 74,000 sandbags on Monday alone, which is twice the amount distributed in a single day during the 2022 floods.”
A Brookfield resident told ABC News Brisbane, “I’ve been in the queue for four hours. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.”
Federal Aged Care Minister Anika Wells criticised the council’s preparedness, stating, “One of the lessons from 2022 was that we should have 150,000 sandbags ready. That didn’t happen.”
Cyclone Alfred’s Expected Path and Impact
The Alfred track map shows the system shifting westward toward Queensland’s coast. The BOM expects Tropical Cyclone Alfred Brisbane landfall to occur late Thursday or early Friday.
Emergency services are on high alert, and the NSW SES has deployed resources, including high-clearance vehicles and flood rescue operators. Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan confirmed, “Sandbagging supplies are being restocked, and we’re ready to assist communities in flood-prone areas.”
Brisbane Airport Prepares for Disruptions
Authorities warn of potential disruptions at Brisbane Airport Cyclone Alfred as strong winds and heavy rain approach. Airlines have advised passengers to check for live cyclone tracker map updates before traveling.
Insurance Costs and Damages
Experts predict Cyclone Alfred updates could lead to rising insurance premiums in the region. Dr Karl Mallon, CEO of The Climate Risk Group, said, “Our modelling suggests southern Queensland and northern NSW face a growing risk from hurricanes as warming sea temperatures push them further south.”
The Geoscience Australia Severe Wind Hazard Assessment estimates 660,000 homes could sustain damage if Alfred strengthens. The category 2 cyclone damage could be severe in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Moreton Bay Islands.
Cbus Super Stadium Events on Hold
Sporting events at Cbus Super Stadium may be postponed if conditions worsen. Organisers are monitoring the situation, and updates are expected by midweek.
Authorities Urge Residents to Stay Alert
Authorities urge residents to stay updated with the TC Alfred update and follow emergency services’ advice. Seqwater has activated its Flood Operations Centre and will release dam water if necessary.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called for transparency, stating, “We need clear communication about water releases because people are anxiously watching the forecast.”
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred Queensland moves closer, authorities emphasise the importance of preparation. Stay tuned for further cyclone update QLD reports and live tracking maps.
