As Cyclone Alfred barrels towards Australia’s east coast, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, while surfers are seizing the opportunity to ride the powerful swells. The looming storm has created an air of tension and uncertainty, as people prepare for potentially devastating conditions.
Why Are Surfers Defying Warnings?
Despite warnings to stay indoors, thrill-seeking surfers have flocked to the waves. Kirra Beach, renowned for its world-class surf, has become a hub for those eager to experience the Cyclone Alfred-driven swell. Many surfers see these extreme conditions as a rare opportunity to ride massive waves, even if it comes with significant risk.
“This is what we look forward to,” said Jeff Weatherall as he waited for a jet ski to pick him up from Kirra Beach and take him out to the big waves. “This is the fifth day straight – I’ve done nothing but eat, sleep, surf, and do it again.”
Local surfer Donnie Neal described the scene as “crazy.” He acknowledged the dangers posed by the storm but said surfers were making the most of the conditions. “It’s pretty serious. Some people are going to lose their houses, but at the moment, you’re taking the good of it all – this is just crazy surf.”
When Will Cyclone Alfred Make Landfall?
The Cyclone Alfred, currently classified as a category two system, is expected to make landfall on Saturday morning. However, experts say its path has been erratic, slowing down in recent days and delaying its impact. The unpredictability of the cyclone has made preparations more challenging for emergency services and residents alike.
Matthew Collopy from the Bureau of Meteorology explained that a category two cyclone brings winds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph), with gusts reaching 130 km/h (81 mph). These conditions are strong enough to cause structural damage, down trees, and create hazardous conditions on roads and waterways.
Authorities estimate that four million people are in the direct path of the storm. The impact zone includes the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city. Residents in these areas are being advised to stay indoors and follow emergency guidelines closely.
What Are the Biggest Concerns?
Beyond the strong winds, Cyclone Alfred is expected to dump as much as 800 mm of rain over southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Officials warn that flash and riverine flooding pose the most significant risk, particularly in low-lying areas. Many of these regions have a history of severe flooding, and authorities are urging residents to take precautions.
“These are tough times, but Australians are tough people, and we are resilient people,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Gold Coast’s acting Mayor, Donna Gates, called Cyclone Alfred a “scary proposition” for the region. Many local leaders are emphasizing the importance of preparation and community support as the storm approaches.
The risk of storm surges and coastal erosion is also a major concern. With the high winds and heavy rainfall, there is a possibility of extensive damage to beachfront properties and infrastructure. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any urgent situations that may arise.
How Are Residents Preparing?
Authorities have ramped up preparations by opening sandbag depots to help residents protect their homes. In Brisbane’s suburb of West End, Anthony Singh waited four hours to collect sandbags. “It’s surreal. We know it’s coming, but it’s very quiet,” he said. Many residents have stocked up on essential supplies, ensuring they have enough food, water, and emergency kits to last several days.
Meanwhile, Mark Clayton, a local volunteer, helped distribute over 140 tonnes of sand to anxious residents. “I think people are a bit apprehensive,” he noted. “Are the buildings going to stay up? Are the roofs going to stay on? People expect a lot of trees to come down and to lose power for an extended period.”
The government has also deployed emergency response teams across the most vulnerable areas. Rescue teams, medical personnel, and disaster relief workers are on standby, prepared to handle the worst-case scenarios. Helicopters and boats have been stationed in key locations for quick deployment if flooding becomes severe.
How Severe Are the Disruptions?
On Friday, more than 80,000 residents across Queensland and New South Wales were left without power. Tens of thousands more were under evacuation orders. Nearly 1,000 schools were shut down, public transport services suspended, and airports closed. Flights are unlikely to resume before Sunday. Additionally, elective surgeries have been canceled, further impacting daily life.
Many businesses have also shut down, with owners securing their premises in anticipation of potential damage. The financial impact of Cyclone Alfred could be significant, as local economies in affected areas face disruptions that may take weeks or months to recover from.
While Queensland is no stranger to cyclones—it is the most disaster-prone state in Australia—it is rare for one to reach this far south. The last similar events were Cyclone Alfred in 1974 and Cyclone Zoe, which struck two months later. The unpredictable nature of storms like these makes long-term preparation a challenge for both residents and government agencies.
Flooding remains a significant concern. In February 2022, thousands of homes along Australia’s east coast suffered severe damage from heavy rains. Authorities are determined to avoid a repeat of that devastation by taking proactive measures. Some areas have already begun evacuations, while others are relying on emergency shelters for those unable to remain in their homes.
What Comes Next?
As residents brace for the worst, supermarkets have shut, and people are sheltering at home, awaiting Cyclone Alfred’s full impact. The uncertainty of the storm’s final trajectory means that last-minute changes to evacuation orders and emergency responses are likely. Local authorities are continuously updating the public with safety instructions and alerts.
“We’re all just waiting to see how bad it’s going to be,” said Brisbane resident Lisa Morgan. “We’ve secured everything we can, but now it’s just a waiting game.”
With power outages, road closures, and infrastructure damage expected, recovery efforts may take weeks, if not months. Government agencies have pledged full support in restoring essential services as quickly as possible. Relief funds and assistance programs are being prepared to help those affected by the storm’s impact.
For now, Australians are doing what they do best—sticking together and facing the challenge head-on. With emergency services at the ready and communities supporting one another, the nation hopes to minimize the destruction caused by Cyclone Alfred and emerge stronger once the storm has passed.
