Although weakened, Alfred still threatens heavy rain, increasing flood risks in vulnerable areas.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Alfred struck the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Maroochydore at 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Major flood warnings remain in place for the Logan-Albert River basin, Warrill Creek, and the Bremer River in Queensland.
Authorities have issued major flood warnings for the Richmond River at Coraki and Bungawalbin, the Clarence River at Grafton, and the Orara River at Glenreagh and Coutts Crossing. As water levels continue to rise in these areas, they advise residents to remain vigilant.
On Sunday, there were over 1800 emergency callouts in Queensland and New South Wales. On Monday, hundreds of schools in both states will be closed.
Alfred Cyclone: Saturday, March 8
Cyclone Alfred’s eye was expected to reach land between 6 and 7 a.m., according to the most recent projection.
By 2 a.m., severe winds left over 200,000 people in southeast Queensland without power. They deployed generators to maintain critical services and planned to start restoration work as soon as the weather permitted.
Officials urged many households to prepare for evacuation as they issued flood warnings for the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales. Around midnight (AEST), they downgraded Alfred to a Category 1 system but emphasized that the threat remained.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a warning at 5 a.m. that Alfred was losing strength but still carrying a lot of rain and was slowing down over the water. Before reaching land, the cyclone weakened into a tropical low after spending most of the day lingering near Brisbane.
Emergency personnel are working to return towns to normal while heavy rains continue to threaten vulnerable areas. Attention is now focusing on the ongoing flood danger and power restoration efforts.
The recovery process have been started
Parts of southern Queensland, the Northern Rivers, and the Mid North Coast have received 100 to 500 mm of rain last week, with more expected.
Particularly hard-hit localities include Meldrum, which recorded 697mm, and Dorrigo, which recorded 754mm. Rising floodwaters have submerged the Grafton Rowing Club’s doors, worsening the situation in Grafton. Many localities are preparing for greater difficulties as the rain continues.
Matt Heap, a spokesman for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), has issued a warning that severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in the northwest later on Sunday and Monday.
Authorities advise residents to stay vigilant and prepare for worsening conditions as the system nears Sydney, Hunter, and Illawarra.
He said, “We are anticipating further significant flooding across northern New South Wales, particularly in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast.”
Is there any casualties due to floodwaters?
Tom “Cookie” Cook, 61, tragically died in floodwaters in northern New South Wales. After floodwaters washed away his vehicle, Tom reportedly grabbed onto a tree branch in a frantic attempt to save himself.
In Megan, northeast of Dorrigo, on Richards Road, he lived by himself with his dog. The local community is in mourning following his passing.
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