In brief
Residents of Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, are on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, predicted to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, bringing severe weather and potential flooding.
Coastal communities along southeastern Queensland are bracing for the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the first to threaten the area in nearly 50 years. As of Thursday afternoon, the cyclone was reported about 150 miles offshore, generating record-high waves and prompting authorities to issue evacuation warnings for at-risk neighborhoods. With a population of approximately 2.7 million, Brisbane faces strong winds gusting up to 95 miles per hour, alongside the likelihood of dangerous storm surges. Given the cyclone's slow movement, it is expected to cause prolonged rain and flooding in the region, worsening conditions for already vulnerable areas, including Lismore, which experienced catastrophic floods in 2022 that claimed 22 lives.In preparation for the storm, local governments have closed over 900 schools and multiple airports, suspending public transportation services. Grocery stores saw a rush of last-minute shoppers gathering supplies, with some forming long queues to obtain sandbags as the cyclone shifted its trajectory closer to land. Despite the impending storm, surfers flocked to the coastline, drawn to the large swells produced by the cyclone. Authorities have cautioned that Alfred's increasing intensity could lead to significant impacts on coastal communities.Responding to the emerging crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to release emergency federal funds to assist Queensland and New South Wales with recovery efforts post-storm. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for the cyclone’s imminent arrival.
