Beaches disappear as wild surf from Cyclone Alfred eats away at shoreline

Tropical Cyclone "Alfred" has stirred up massive waves overnight, causing widespread erosion along the Queensland coastline. Lifeguards have closed dozens of beaches from Agnes Water in Gladstone to Currumbin on the Gold Coast as the category two cyclone threatens to make landfall. This preemptive measure aims to protect the public from the dangers posed by the severe weather conditions.

"Alfred" is currently lingering in the Coral Sea and is expected to gradually approach the Queensland coast in the coming days. Due to the wave erosion, coastlines of some popular beaches, including Bribie Island and Alexandra Headland on the Sunshine Coast, have been almost cut in half. The extent of the damage highlights the power and destructive potential of the cyclone.

Strong winds have also resulted in intense surf swells, and Queensland residents have been warned to stay away from coastal waters. The Bureau of Meteorology issued its latest update on "Alfred" at 5 a.m., warning of potential severe weather on Monday. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to remain vigilant.

The Bureau of Meteorology stated: "Tropical Cyclone 'Alfred' is expected to move south roughly parallel to the Queensland coast on Sunday and weaken further before moving southeast on Monday. 'Alfred' is then expected to slow down and possibly turn west from Tuesday, moving towards the southern Queensland coast again." New model predictions indicate that "Alfred" may make landfall on the southeastern Queensland coast on Thursday. This potential shift in trajectory requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to preparedness plans.

The Bureau of Meteorology's latest update states: "Tropical Cyclone 'Alfred' may cause strong winds and destructive gusts in K'gari and nearby exposed coastal areas today. Abnormally high tides and damaging waves will continue to affect the southeastern Queensland coast as Tropical Cyclone 'Alfred' moves south." At the same time, the Bureau of Meteorology also warned that "significant" coastal erosion could occur due to high tides and destructive waves. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their properties and ensure their safety.

If "Alfred" makes landfall as expected, the state's southeast is predicted to be hit with 150mm of rainfall. Rainfall in the Gold Coast is also expected to exceed 200mm in the coming days. Such heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and further exacerbate the existing coastal erosion issues.