Residents of Springfield Lakes and surrounding areas face the prospect of life-threatening floods as Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to bring up to 700mm of rain and gale-force winds, potentially making landfall near Brisbane.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for the region, expecting intense rainfall and gale-force winds that could bring down trees and cause flash flooding.
Here’s what’s going on as Brisbane prepares for Cyclone Alfred:
RECOVERY CENTRES AND SANDBAGS REOPENING
Transport
- All CityCat and ferry services have been suspended until further notice.
- The Story Bridge footpaths will be closed from 5.30pm Wednesday 5 March until further notice.
- Bus services will be suspended from the last service on Wednesday 5 March until further notice.
Weather Warnings and Forecasts
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Alfred will approach the coast, bringing with it the possibility of 200 to 400 millimetres of rain in some areas. A cyclone watch, the first in New South Wales since 1990, has been issued, highlighting the severity of the expected conditions.
The bureau has indicated that the storm’s most intense period will likely occur on Friday and continue into Saturday, when the cyclone is expected to land. Residents should expect gale-force winds, potentially exceeding 90 kilometres per hour in gusts, beginning Wednesday evening and increasing in intensity over the following days.
The risk of tidal surges and coastal hazards is also significant, particularly for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Community Preparedness and Safety Measures
Local authorities are urging residents of Springfield Lakes and nearby communities to take immediate steps to prepare for the cyclone. They have stressed the importance of staying informed through official channels, such as the Bureau of Meteorology’s tracking map and local council disaster dashboards.
Residents are advised to develop emergency plans, assemble emergency kits with supplies for at least three days, and understand the meaning of weather warnings. Psychological preparation is also crucial, with resources available to help manage stress and anxiety during severe weather events.
Effective immediately, Brisbane’s CityCat and ferry services will be suspended as a preventative measure to secure vessels ahead of the storm’s arrival. Flood watches exist for catchments and rivers across Queensland and New South Wales.
Impact on Local Services and Infrastructure
The potential impact of Cyclone Alfred extends beyond immediate weather hazards. Road closures are possible, and residents are advised to check QldTraffic for up-to-date information. Schools may also face closures, and updates will be provided through official channels.
The disruption of ferry services in Brisbane highlights the potential for widespread disruption to local transportation. The rescue of a Lithuanian rower off the Queensland coast, who was caught in the cyclone’s strong winds, is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the storm.
Staying Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Brisbane City Council’s Severe Weather Alerts and accessing the council’s Emergency Dashboard for up-to-date weather warnings.
Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all Council sandbag stations. A maximum of 10 bags per vehicle is allowed.
Published Date 03-March-2025. Updates ongoing continuously.
Photo Credit: Bureau of Meteorology