Cyclone Alfred is approaching NSW and QLD

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is stirring up some wild conditions along the south-east Queensland coast, with waves over seven meters high recorded today. Ocean buoys at the University of Sydney’s One Tree Island Research Station picked up the massive swells as Alfred edges closer to the coastline.

The crazy surf and strong winds are already causing havoc. Boats around Bribie Island have been dragged to the rocky shores, and there's concern that ferry terminals—like the crucial one at Stradbroke—might shut down. This could cut off supplies to the islands off Brisbane's coast.

Alfred strengthened to a category two storm this morning and is currently sitting about 465 km north-east of Brisbane. According to Steven Bernasconi from the Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone is expected to swing back towards the coast by mid-week and might make landfall on Thursday or Friday. If it hits a populated area of South East Queensland, it would be the first cyclone to do so in 50 years!

The warning zone stretches from Gympie to the Gold Coast, and while its exact path is still a bit uncertain, it's currently lined up with Brisbane. As Alfred moves closer, its direction will become clearer.

Authorities are urging residents in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales to take today to prep for gale-force winds, heavy rain, flooding, and hazardous surf. There are sandbagging stations set up, and the advice is to secure your homes—clean gutters, tie down loose items, and stock up on food, water, and batteries. New South Wales residents should download the Hazards Near Me app to stay updated.

Right now, Alfred's packing 95 km/h winds at its center, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h. Marine wind warnings are active from K'gari down to north-east New South Wales, and the surf is already taking a toll on beaches, causing erosion.

Flood-Weary Northern NSW on High Alert

Heavy rain is expected from late Wednesday into the weekend, with 100 to 300 mm forecasted for Northern NSW on Thursday and Friday. River catchments from the Tweed and Rous rivers to the Camden Haven near Port Macquarie are under flood watch, with moderate to major flooding possible. The already wet ground and high tides aren’t helping the situation.

Beaches and Coastal Areas Feeling the Impact

Many beaches from Agnes Water in Gladstone to Currumbin on the Gold Coast were closed over the weekend. The biggest wave recorded hit 16.9 meters off the Fraser Coast, with several others above 10 meters.

On K'Gari, residents are facing gale-force winds, and campers have been told to head back to the mainland to avoid getting caught out by Alfred. One resident, Kev Hockey, said, “We haven’t really experienced these sort of conditions, certainly not in our adult life.”

There are real concerns for homes around Pumicestone Passage, especially in Golden Beach, where the ocean is pushing through a fragile sandbar on Bribie Island.

Meanwhile, the Navy is trying to reach a Lithuanian rower who got caught up in the storm while attempting a solo trip from San Diego to Brisbane since August.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is asking everyone to stay prepared. He said, “I know this is not a frequent occurrence and there may be Queenslanders who can be forgiven for thinking this is something that doesn’t occur... but history shows that it does.”

His message is clear: “Just be prepared, listen to the warnings, and do what you can to get ready.”