A local resident watches huge waves crash against the North Wall breakwater in Ballina as Cyclone Alfred moves in on March 5, 2025. Getty Images
Millions of people living along Australia’s eastern coast are preparing for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the most southerly cyclone to hit the region in over 50 years. The storm is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surges.
Cyclone Alfred, moving west toward Brisbane, is carrying winds of up to 155 km/h (96 mph). The slowing pace of the cyclone increases the risk of it gaining strength, warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a briefing from emergency officials. Brisbane, home to 2.5 million people, could face significant impacts.
The storm is already creating hazardous conditions. Along the Gold Coast, a massive 12.3-meter (40-foot) wave was recorded. In northern New South Wales (NSW), about 4,000 homes lost power due to downed lines. Flooding has begun in some low-lying areas, and officials warn it could worsen as rivers overflow.
Authorities urged residents to prepare for strong winds, flash floods, and possible evacuations. People have been rushing to collect sandbags, while supermarkets are seeing empty shelves as people stock up on food and water. Beaches along the Queensland coast and in northern NSW have been closed for safety.
“This is the strongest cyclone we’ve seen in 50 years,” said Darrell Strauss, a coastal management researcher. He warned that some areas will face dangerous storm surges, while others will deal with erosion and flooding.
The last time a storm of similar strength hit this far south was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which caused severe flooding in Brisbane and NSW’s Northern Rivers region. Since then, Brisbane’s population has doubled, increasing the risk to more people and homes.
Cyclone Alfred was about 285 kilometers (177 miles) off the coast on Thursday, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. Its winds and heavy rain were already being felt along the shoreline. In NSW, rivers are expected to overflow, putting communities at risk. Many homes in flood-prone areas have still not recovered from past disasters in 2017 and 2022.
“We know that residents have been through a lot with past floods,” said Rose Jackson, Minister for the North Coast. “There is a lot of anxiety, but mental health support is available.”
In Brisbane, residents have been placing sandbags around their homes as officials warn that 20,000 properties could be at risk of flooding. Public transport has been suspended, flights have been delayed, and schools in affected areas have been closed.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged people in coastal areas to follow evacuation orders. Strong winds are also a concern, as many places used to heavy rain may not be prepared for cyclone-force gusts. Residents were advised to secure anything that could be blown away.
With the storm approaching, authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, stay informed, and follow emergency instructions.
