The last time Queensland’s south took a direct hit from a cyclone was in 1947, prompting early and widespread preparations.
Al Jazeera
The first days of March 2025 were filled with anxiety and anticipation as Australians braced for the impact of Cyclone Alfred. For many, this was their first time preparing for a cyclone, as the densely populated southeast coast of Australia had not faced such a threat in nearly 50 years. The last time Queensland’s south took a direct hit from a cyclone was in 1947, prompting early and widespread preparations.
Forecasts initially projected that the cyclone would make landfall between K’gari and the Gold Coast on Thursday or Friday as a category one or two system. While such storm categories may be routine in some parts of the world, Australians living along the coastline feared the worst due to the risk of severe flooding.
Authorities urged residents to take precautions as Prime Ministerial warnings encouraged the public to “hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” Mass evacuation orders were issued in parts of Queensland, and violent winds left 80,000 homes without electricity. While Brisbane residents had ample time to evacuate due to the storm’s slow movement, conditions on the Gold Coast were more perilous, with massive waves adding to the danger.
By Friday, March 7, Queensland’s Bureau of Meteorology predicted that Cyclone Alfred would make landfall just north of Brisbane on Sunday morning. Although its slow speed allowed more time for preparations, it also provided the cyclone with an opportunity to intensify. By nightfall, Alfred was generating wind gusts of up to 130 kph, though forecasters expected it to weaken as it neared Brisbane. The storm also produced record-breaking waves and unusual seafoam, captivating many observers.
Despite initial concerns, late on March 7, Cyclone Alfred was downgraded to a tropical low, with winds near the centre dropping to 55 kph and gusts reaching 85 kph. However, by March 9, Alfred was still delivering heavy rainfall across southeast Queensland and the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Cities including Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Brisbane, and Hervey Bay recorded up to 150mm of rainfall within just two hours, leading to significant flooding.
Authorities continue to warn that the worst may not be over, as flash flooding remains a serious threat in the coming days.
