Janice R. Andrews
Travellers across Queensland and New South Wales are being urged to reconsider their plans as Tropical Cyclone Alfred barrels toward Australia’s east coast. The category two storm is expected to make landfall between Noosa and Brisbane on Thursday evening or early Friday morning, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding. With winds reaching up to 130km/h and up to 450mm of rain forecast in some areas, authorities are warning residents and travellers to prepare for dangerous conditions.
Airlines Offer Flexible Travel Options
Australian airlines have already begun adjusting their operations to accommodate the severe weather. Virgin Australia has announced that passengers travelling to or from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast airports between March 4 and March 8 can change their flight dates without incurring fees. Similarly, Qantas and Jetstar are offering flexible rebooking options for flights to and from Bundaberg, Brisbane, Ballina, Hervey Bay, Coolangatta, and Maroochydore. Passengers can either retain the value of their ticket as credit or rebook within 14 days of their original departure date.
Virgin Australia released a statement urging travellers to stay informed: “We understand people may no longer wish to fly to or from areas impacted by Cyclone Alfred. Our team is closely monitoring the situation, and we encourage guests to adjust their plans if necessary.”
Road and Ferry Disruptions
Authorities are also warning those planning to travel by road to check for traffic updates, as heavy rain and flooding could make driving conditions hazardous. In addition, ferry services have been significantly impacted. The Moggill Ferry on the Brisbane River has been suspended indefinitely, with no estimated return date. Brisbane City Council has also halted all CityCat and ferry services until further notice, leaving commuters to seek alternative transport options.
Boaters Urged to Secure Vessels
Transport and Main Roads Queensland has issued an urgent warning for boat owners, particularly those with moored or live-aboard vessels. “Is your vessel on the water? ACT NOW,” the agency posted on social media. Owners are being advised to secure their boats or relocate them to safer areas to avoid damage from the cyclone’s strong winds and surging waves.
Communities Brace for Impact
Residents in affected areas are taking no chances, with many stocking up on essential supplies and preparing their homes for the storm. Brisbane City Council has restocked sandbags and opened additional collection sites to meet the high demand. Supermarket shelves have been stripped bare in some areas, with bottled water, pasta, rice, and canned foods in particularly high demand. Hardware stores like Bunnings have reported shortages of emergency supplies, including torches, generators, power banks, and batteries.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli addressed the public on Tuesday, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “The flooding that comes after a system, particularly on the southern end, is very, very difficult and in many cases can be the biggest complexity for us to handle,” he said. “There are three stages of this significant weather event: big surf and erosion, damaging winds, and significant rain and flooding. We are well and truly in the first phase right now.”
Schools Closed, Power Outages Expected
As a precaution, schools in impacted areas will remain closed on Wednesday, with a decision about Thursday still pending. Millions of residents are being warned to prepare for extended power outages and limited access to supplies. Emergency services are on high alert, with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) deploying additional personnel and equipment to the Northern Rivers, Tweed Valley, and Mid North Coast regions.
Flooding Poses Greatest Threat
While the cyclone’s winds are a major concern, authorities are particularly worried about the potential for severe flooding. Brisbane is forecast to receive up to 400mm of rain, while the Gold Coast could see 450mm in just three days. Flash floods are expected to cause significant disruption, with low-lying areas at the highest risk. Premier Crisafulli urged residents to stay informed and follow official advice. “This is a significant system,” he said. “We need everyone to take this seriously and prepare accordingly.”
Call for Calm Amid Panic Buying
Despite the urgency, officials are urging residents to remain calm and avoid panic buying. “We understand the anxiety this situation creates, but it’s important that everyone has access to essential supplies,” a spokesperson for the Queensland government said. “Please only take what you need and look out for your neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable.”
Stay Informed and Prepared
As Cyclone Alfred approaches, authorities are reminding residents and travellers to stay updated through official channels, including the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services. Those in affected areas should secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel, and have an emergency kit ready with essentials like food, water, medications, and torches.
With the storm expected to intensify in the coming days, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of communities and minimizing the impact of this extreme weather event. Stay safe, stay informed, and heed all warnings as Cyclone Alfred makes its way across Australia’s east coast.
