Thousands of residents in eastern Australia—from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina—have been ordered to evacuate as tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to lash the region with heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves. Power outages, airport closures, and school shutdowns have already disrupted daily life, with authorities warning of worsening conditions as the storm moves closer to land.
What Is Cyclone Alfred? How did it start?
Formed over the Coral Sea in early March 2025, Cyclone Alfred developed due to warm ocean temperatures and favourable atmospheric conditions. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) first identified it as a tropical low on 20 February 2025. By 5 March 2025, it had strengthened into a Category 2 cyclone, prompting warnings for eastern Australia.
On 4 March 2025, The Australian Bureau of Meteorology subsequently advised residents along the Queensland and New South Wales coasts to prepare for potential impacts, and state emergency services and government officials promptly issued evacuation warnings and precautionary measures.
What is a Cyclone
A cyclone is a powerful storm with rotating winds, heavy rain, and flooding, forming over warm ocean waters. It’s called a hurricane in the Atlantic and a typhoon in the Pacific.
Why is Cyclone Alfred named Alfred?
From a rotating alphabetical list of names that alternate between male and female, Cyclones in Australia are named by The Australian Bureau of Meteorology. This system, officially adopted in 1975, ensures easy identification and communication for weather warnings. The name “Alfred” was selected as part of this process, following international guidelines for consistency in storm-tracking efforts. The previous cyclone was named Cyclone Zelia.
“When a name matches a prominent person of the time, we reorder to the next name starting with that same letter to avoid any confusion,” a BoM spokesperson.
Has a Similar Cyclone Happened Before?
Cyclones in southeastern Australia are rare, with most storms forming in the tropical north. The last major cyclone to directly impact Queensland’s capital Brisbane was Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which caused catastrophic flooding. However, severe weather events like the 2011 Brisbane floods have also demonstrated the region’s vulnerability to extreme rainfall and storm surges.
Current Status of Cyclone Alfred (As of 7 March 2025)
- The cyclone remains approximately 200km offshore but is expected to make landfall early Saturday.
- Wind gusts have exceeded 100km/h, affecting coastal areas between Queensland and New South Wales.
- Brisbane, a city that has not faced a direct cyclone hit in over 50 years, is in the projected impact zone.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel or sightseeing.
Major Disruptions and Closures
- Over 82,000 homes in Queensland and New South Wales have lost power, with more outages expected.
- Brisbane Airport has suspended operations since Thursday, with international flights halted until Saturday and domestic flights until Sunday.
- More than 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and 280 in northern New South Wales have been shut down.
- Public transport services, including buses, trains, and ferries, have been suspended in Brisbane.
Cyclone Alfred’s Expected Impact
- The storm is predicted to bring up to 800mm of rain in some areas, increasing the risk of severe flooding.
- Wind gusts could reach 155km/h, potentially damaging homes and infrastructure.
- Storm surges and strong waves have already led to beach erosion, with floodwaters expected to rise after the cyclone moves inland.
- Authorities fear up to 20,000 homes in Brisbane could face some level of flooding.
Emergency Measures
- The government has provided 250,000 sandbags to flood-prone areas, with military support adding another 80,000.
- Evacuation centres are being set up across Queensland for residents who may be displaced.
- The Brisbane Showgrounds has been designated as a refuge centre for those without safe shelter.
What’s Next?
- Alfred’s impact is expected to last several days, with flooding likely to persist into next week.
- Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate before conditions worsen.
- Emergency services remain on high alert, with the Australian Defence Force ready to assist in recovery efforts.
Cyclone Alfred is a serious threat to southeastern Australia. Residents are advised to follow evacuation orders, stay updated with official warnings, and prioritise safety over curiosity. With Brisbane and its neighbouring regions facing their most significant storm in decades, preparation and caution remain critical in minimising damage and protecting lives.
