Cyclone Alfred Latest Updates: Storm Downgraded to Category 1 as Heavy Rain and Winds Hit East Coast
Welcome to our live coverage as Cyclone Alfred continues its path towards Queensland, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread disruptions across the region.
Key Developments:
- The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has updated its forecast, predicting Cyclone Alfred will make landfall around 2 PM (Queensland time) on Saturday.
- Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to peak late today and into early tomorrow, affecting northern NSW and South East Queensland.
- The cyclone is forecast to bring wind gusts of up to 155 km/h and rainfall exceeding 800mm from Brisbane to the Northern Rivers region.
- Evacuation orders remain in place for residents in north-east NSW, including Northern Rivers communities. Areas such as North Macksville, Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads, and Gumma were told to evacuate by 8 AM today.
- Schools, public transport, major roads, and airports are shut down, with elective surgeries also postponed. Emergency departments remain operational.
- This marks the first direct cyclone impact on South East Queensland and northern NSW in over 50 years.
Follow Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s Updated Path as it Nears the Mainland
The extent of potential damage remains uncertain, but we’ll keep you updated as the situation unfolds.
Cyclone Alfred’s Path and Timing
By Kayla Olaya
According to BoM’s latest tracking map, Cyclone Alfred will cross the Queensland coastline around 2 PM local time on Saturday.
Currently categorized as a Category 1 cyclone, Alfred is moving at 8 km/h and is positioned 125 km south-east of Brisbane and 90 km north-east of the Gold Coast.
Queensland Reds Stay Put as Cyclone Nears
By Nick Wright
The Queensland Reds rugby squad has opted to stay in Christchurch, rather than return home early ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s impact.
Head coach Les Kiss had previously given players the option to return early if they needed to be with their families, but no players have left.
Reds halfback Tate McDermott confirmed, “The organization has been really good in making sure our families are safe, cars moved out of flood zones, and everything is in place.”
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos returned early this morning, taking a charter flight to Toowoomba after their 50-14 NRL win over the Sydney Roosters. The club has pledged to use its platform to share important cyclone-related updates with the community.
Brisbane Mayor Issues Flood Warning
By Cloe Read
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has warned that flooding across the city could be more widespread than previous flood events.
“In 2011, we had the Mud Army to help with recovery, but this time, the impact could be city-wide,” he said.
Residents are urged to stay indoors, as fallen trees and power lines pose a serious threat. Emergency shelters are open, including at RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills.
‘I’m Not Leaving’: Byron Bay Resident Stays Despite Rising Floodwaters
By Angus Dalton
Byron Bay resident Jim Knight, who has lived in his home for nearly 70 years, refuses to leave despite floodwaters creeping dangerously close.
“We’ve got another 15 inches before the water comes in. It’s never flooded inside before,” he said.
Knight recalled Cyclone Zoe in 1974, when huge surf pushed boulders into the streets.
“I’m just hoping we don’t get a lot more heavy rain,” he said. “But they’re forecasting it, so we probably will.”
M1 Pacific Motorway Closed Between Byron and Queensland Border
By Kayla Olaya
The M1 Pacific Motorway is expected to remain closed between Byron Bay and the Queensland border throughout the weekend due to hazardous conditions.
Authorities warn that floodwaters and debris have made the road impassable. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and check Live Traffic NSW for updates.
Other inland routes remain open but should only be used if deemed safe by state authorities.
Supermarket Shelves Stripped as Residents Prepare for Cyclone Alfred
By Amber Schultz
Supermarkets in Goonellabah, near Lismore, have been stripped of essential supplies, as residents rush to stock up before the cyclone hits.
Videos from the scene show empty shelves where fresh produce, bread, and water once stood, with floodwaters expected to rise overnight.
Cyclone Alfred’s Landfall Now Expected at Noon Saturday
By Sarah McPhee
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued another update, adjusting Alfred’s projected landfall time to 12 PM (Queensland time) on Saturday.
NSW Schools to Stay Closed on Monday Due to Cyclone Impact
By Amber Schultz
Deputy Premier Prue Car has announced that more than 300 schools will remain closed on Monday, including 343 public and independent schools, 17 TAFE campuses, and several early childhood centres.
“The priority is keeping students and staff safe,” Car said, adding that many Northern Rivers schools are still rebuilding after the 2022 floods.
Stay Updated
We’ll continue to provide live updates on Cyclone Alfred as new information comes in. Stay safe, follow official warnings, and check back for the latest developments.
