As Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland, die-hard surfers thrive on the swell, despite authorities urging safety. Residents are prepared for severe weather as the cyclone is predicted to make landfall with strong winds and heavy rain, raising concerns over flooding and power outages.
Cyclone Alfred Approaches Queensland, Tourists and Residents Brace for Impact
Cyclone Alfred Approaches Queensland, Tourists and Residents Brace for Impact
The Gold Coast prepares for the potential devastation of Cyclone Alfred as surfers seize the moment, while residents take precautions.
Cyclone Alfred is fast approaching Queensland's coastline, prompting warnings from authorities for residents to stay indoors. While many have heeded these notices, surfers on the Gold Coast are reveling in the powerful waves created by the cyclone. Surfer Jeff Weatherall remarked excitedly about the conditions at Kirra beach, stating, "This is what we look forward to," as he prepared to ride the challenging swells.
Cyclone Alfred is projected to make landfall as a category two event, with wind speeds nearing 95 km/h (59 mph), and gusts potentially reaching up to 130 km/h. The cyclone's progression has been slow and erratic, causing concern for heavy rains and flooding across a wide area; an estimated four million people find themselves in its path. The storm is expected to cause significant disruption between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions, along with impacts for Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city.
While surfers embrace the intense conditions, the majority of residents are opting for caution. Stephen Valentine, a Logan city local, shared how he and his wife prepared with ample supplies, stating, "At the moment we are as prepared as we can be for something that none of us have been through." Despite the challenges, Prime Minister Albanese expressed confidence in Australians' resilience, a sentiment that resonates throughout the region.
As Cyclone Alfred gathers strength, forecasts indicate it could deliver as much as 800 mm of rain, posing risks of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Local authorities are actively delivering sandbags to help mitigate damage, while more than 84,000 homes are without power and various evacuation orders are in place. Airports are also affected, with flight operations suspended until at least Sunday.
The potential impact of Cyclone Alfred has residents uneasy. One resident, Anthony Singh, reflects on the surreal calm before the storm, while another, Mark Clayton, is actively involved in organizing the sandbag response. Both express apprehension about the storm's capabilities and the threat of extended power outages. As anticipation builds, Queensland braces for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred.
Cyclone Alfred is projected to make landfall as a category two event, with wind speeds nearing 95 km/h (59 mph), and gusts potentially reaching up to 130 km/h. The cyclone's progression has been slow and erratic, causing concern for heavy rains and flooding across a wide area; an estimated four million people find themselves in its path. The storm is expected to cause significant disruption between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions, along with impacts for Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city.
While surfers embrace the intense conditions, the majority of residents are opting for caution. Stephen Valentine, a Logan city local, shared how he and his wife prepared with ample supplies, stating, "At the moment we are as prepared as we can be for something that none of us have been through." Despite the challenges, Prime Minister Albanese expressed confidence in Australians' resilience, a sentiment that resonates throughout the region.
As Cyclone Alfred gathers strength, forecasts indicate it could deliver as much as 800 mm of rain, posing risks of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Local authorities are actively delivering sandbags to help mitigate damage, while more than 84,000 homes are without power and various evacuation orders are in place. Airports are also affected, with flight operations suspended until at least Sunday.
The potential impact of Cyclone Alfred has residents uneasy. One resident, Anthony Singh, reflects on the surreal calm before the storm, while another, Mark Clayton, is actively involved in organizing the sandbag response. Both express apprehension about the storm's capabilities and the threat of extended power outages. As anticipation builds, Queensland braces for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred.
