Early Thursday, eastern Australia began feeling the effects of an unusual tropical cyclone with heavy winds and rain. In preparation, schools were shut, public transport was halted, and locals, faced with a shortage of sandbags, resorted to using potting mix to protect their properties.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to hit the coast of Queensland between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast early Saturday, according to Matt Collopy from the Bureau of Meteorology. The cyclone’s path includes the state capital, Brisbane, which ranks as Australia’s third-largest city and is set to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
Collopy noted, “Winds are already intensifying along exposed coastal areas, with gusts reaching 80 to 90 kph (50 to 56 mph). We anticipate these conditions to worsen.” Alfred’s anticipated arrival would be the first cyclone near Brisbane since Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which resulted in significant flooding.
In Queensland’s tropical north, cyclones are quite common, but they are less so in the more temperate and densely populated southeast, near New South Wales. The cyclone poses a threat to over 4 million people in its path.
As of Thursday, Alfred was positioned 240 kilometers (150 miles) east of Brisbane, moving west with winds at its center reaching 95 kph (59 mph) and gusts up to 130 kph (81 mph). The storm is predicted to retain its intensity upon landfall, with the primary concern being the potential for widespread flooding. Models suggest up to 20,000 homes in Brisbane could suffer from flooding, given the city’s location on a river floodplain.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the closure of 660 schools in southern Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales as the weather worsens. He confirmed that 310,000 sandbags had been sent to Brisbane, with more on the way, emphasizing the government’s readiness to support affected regions.
With a sandbag shortage in Brisbane, a city of over 3 million, residents turned to potting mix as an alternative. Damien Effeney, a rural supplies business executive, mentioned that some found it more convenient to purchase potting mix instead of waiting for sandbags, with one client buying 30 bags at his store in Samford, on the city’s northwest side.
Several sandbag collection sites in Brisbane experienced long queues or were out of stock altogether. A beach volleyball business reported some of its sand was stolen for bag filling.
Brisbane’s roads cleared of traffic and stores were emptied of essentials like bread, milk, water, and batteries. The region’s public transport was halted starting Thursday, with hospitals only conducting emergency surgeries until the situation improves.
In northern New South Wales, powerful winds knocked down trees, cutting power to 4,500 homes and businesses. The area experienced heavy rains and rising river levels. Authorities urged 14 communities to evacuate to avoid being stranded by floodwaters.
Along the coast, abnormal high tides and waves led to significant sea activity, with a record-breaking 12.3-meter (40-foot) wave spotted near Gold Coast yesterday evening.
The cyclone’s course slowed, adding an extra day to prepare; however, meteorologist Jane Golding cautioned that this delay may lead to prolonged rain and wind damage. While the delay offers more time for preparation, it also extends the cyclone’s potential impact.
