Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred inches closer to Queensland coast

Severe Tropical Cyclone "Alfred" is gradually approaching the Queensland coast, bringing strong winds and large waves. The cyclone system is currently located over the Coral Sea, and the Bureau of Meteorology predicts strong winds, even gale-force winds, will occur from the southern Great Barrier Reef islands to Fraser Island (K'gari) this weekend. Coastal communities are advised to prepare for potential disruptions.

Senior Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How stated yesterday that there is "high confidence" that the cyclone will remain offshore for the next two days. The cyclone is expected to move towards the coast today, before turning southeast tomorrow and on Monday. This trajectory will hopefully mitigate the impact on mainland areas.

It is anticipated that "Alfred's" movement will slow down by Tuesday, and it will turn towards the southern Queensland coast again by the middle of next week. Currently, parts of Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, and the Southeast Coast forecast areas remain under severe weather warnings. Residents should stay informed about the latest weather updates.

The Bureau of Meteorology stated: "'Alfred' is generating a large area of gale-force winds on its southwestern side, and there is a sufficient risk of the system being close enough to the coast to cause a period of gale-force winds and destructive gusts along the coast tonight through Sunday." Separate coastal hazard warnings have also been issued for Queensland's Wide Bay and Southeast Coast. These warnings highlight the potential for significant coastal erosion and flooding.

Potentially affected areas include Bundaberg, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Miriam Vale, and Rainbow Beach. Coastal and island communities in southern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales have been urged to closely monitor weather conditions. Preparedness measures, such as securing loose objects and having emergency supplies ready, are highly recommended.