Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified to a category two storm and is forecast to make landfall between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts late Thursday, with its tail expected to lash the capital’s southern suburbs.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts TC Alfred will pack wind gusts up to 130km/h and intense rainfall that could result in severe flooding.
More than 4 million residents from K’gari in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales have been issued with a formal warning by the Bureau to prepare but not panic.
Electricity crews have urged residents to ready their homes and supplies, and “prepare for prolonged outages”.
“Cyclone Alfred is a major threat to southern Queensland, and we all need to be ready. The already-wet ground and gusty winds are already toppling trees, and this will ramp up,” Ergon said in a statement.
Related article: Ergon crews battle elements to restore power in North Qld
Residents are urged to:
- Treat ANY fallen powerline or network damage as dangerous—report it ASAP to 000 (Triple Zero), stay well clear, and warn others to stay away too.
- Secure anything around your that can possibly get airborne—now’s the time to be tying down and storing away; not in the middle of the night in howling winds.
- Be prepared for the possibility of days without power—finalise your home’s emergency kit.
- People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment need to consider their Plan B, if their power is out. Read more here.
- Check on your local council’s disaster preparation advice and follow directions from emergency authorities.
