Cyclone Alfred Approaches Australia: Evacuations, School Closures, and Severe Weather Warnings Issued

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall in Australia on Saturday morning, dumping heavy winds and heavy rain on northern New South Wales (NSW). The late landfall may extend harsh weather, increasing dangers for people. Yet authorities expect the cyclone to reduce to a Category 1 storm by landfall.

Flood evacuation orders have been issued by authorities as Australia braces for its first tropical cyclone in decades. Footage of massive waves and irresponsible people putting their lives at risk along the storm-affected coast is overwhelming social media. Some videos even capture people being washed away while trying to play with their pets, reflecting a lack of understanding of the intensity of the storm.

Major Developments on Cyclone Alfred

1. Landfall Between Noosa and Coolangatta

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has, at 7:00 PM local time, indicated that Cyclone Alfred is closing in steadily on the southeast Queensland coastline. The eye of the cyclone is predicted to make landfall late this evening or in early Saturday morning, affecting chiefly places between Coolangatta and Noosa.

2. Towering Swells and Evacuations OnGoing

Coastal areas are already seeing big waves as the cyclone closes in. The authorities have established 25 evacuation centers throughout Queensland, with Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay areas set to take the full force of the storm.

3. NSW Issues Evacuation Orders for 16 Areas

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is calling on 16 area residents, such as Lismore CBD, North Lismore, Lismore Showgrounds, Fingal Head, and Tumbulgum, to leave at 9 PM tonight. It is expected that Alfred will sustain Category 2 strength upon its impact with the islands of Moreton Bay and then degenerate to Category 1 by mainland landfall.

4. Schools, Airports, and Transport Shut Down

More than 900 schools and several airports in Queensland and NSW have been shut in preparation for the cyclone’s landfall. Panic shopping has been witnessed as the storm changed direction unexpectedly towards the mainland. Public transport has also been cancelled in the affected areas.

5. Storm Surge and Power Outages Reported

Gold Coast has already suffered beach erosion from a strong storm surge. Moreover, about 10,000 houses between NSW’s Tweed Heads and Bulahdelah have lost power, news.au reports.

Authorities Call for Caution as Storm Strengthens

As Cyclone Alfred draws near, authorities keep assuring people that they should consider warnings seriously and evacuate. Its effects are set to be dire, with expected flooding, cuts in power and transport, especially in the targeted areas.