Cyclone Alfred weakens; flood risks and power outages persist across Queensland & NSW

Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a tropical low, yet its impact continues to disrupt lives across Queensland and New South Wales. Heavy rain, strong winds, and rising floodwaters have left hundreds of thousands without power, while authorities remain on high alert for worsening conditions.

In response to the storm, Australian authorities ordered mass evacuations in Brisbane and surrounding regions. The cyclone brought massive waves, swamped beaches, and forced the closure of airports, leaving residents bracing for further disruptions. More than 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales have been shut as a precaution.

Currently, the weakened system is positioned off Bribie Island and is expected to drift westward, making landfall between Maroochydore and Caboolture, according to reports from The Guardian. Authorities have issued a flood warning for the Currumbin catchment, warning of dangerous and fast-moving floodwaters.

Initially forming as a Category 2 cyclone, Alfred weakened to Category 1 upon reaching Moreton Island before downgrading further. Despite this, the storm left widespread damage, knocking out power to more than 330,000 homes and businesses across both states.

In response to the devastation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, offering financial assistance of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children affected by the cyclone. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant as flood risks persist.