Tropical Cyclone Alfred update: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Lismore on high alert as storm front landfall nears

‘A’-Day is imminent and vast populations of the eastern seaboard of Australia are now bunkered in ‘safe’ spaces awaiting the arrival of Cyclone Alfred.

With the category two cyclone expected to smash head first into Brisbane and the Gold Coast some time on Friday afternoon, the storm’s reach is already being felt from the upper areas of the Sunshine Coast and as far down as the mid-north coast of NSW.

The flood-prone city of Lismore, which has only just managed to rebound from horrendous flooding in 2022, is already experiencing distress calls to the State Emergency Service (SES), as large trees bring down power lines ahead of predicted flood waters expected in the coming days.

Cyclone alerts from federal, state and local governments are filling social media feeds as millions of people wake to severe weather and the anticipation of the “once in a lifetime event”.

Gold Coast to be hit with worst event in 70 years

Gold Coast acting Mayor Donna Gates told reporters the impact of the cyclone is likely to be catastrophic.

Ms Gates said the weather will be the “city’s worst weather event in 70 years”.

“Worst case scenario mapping suggests 6000 properties could be impacted with gale force winds and more than 700mm of rain in 72 hours,” Ms Gates added.

Brisbane could see 20,000 properties smashed

Queensland’s riverfront capitol city Brisbane is bracing as residents sit in the landing spot for the massive eye of Cyclone Alfred.

Residents at risk from significant storm surges and flooding have been urged to get into a safe space as the time to relocate has now lapsed.

Weather modelling shows almost 20,000 properties could be impacted by storm surges or flooding.

These 20,000 properties could experience anything from mild inundation in their yards to significant flooding in their homes and property damage.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting peak storm surges to occur from Thursday.

Residents are urged to inspect the mapping on council websites and make arrangements if their property is at significant risk.

Airport closures and flight cancellations

Australia’s major airlines have begun restructuring their scheduling as airports begin to close and flights are cancelled.

The Gold Coast airport is now closed along with regional airports at Ballina and Coffs Harbour.

Qantas has cancelled flights to and from Lord Howe Island on Wednesday.

From midnight on Wednesday, Qantas Group flights were suspended to and from Coffs Harbour until further notice.

Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast airports are currently open and are under constant reassessment.

SES on edge in Lismore

The NSW State Emergency Service is currently on flood watch and have deployed all available resources to the area.

Emergency services expect major riverine flooding, with significant localised flooding possible along the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast from Thursday.

The severe rainfall is also predicted to lead to moderate to major flooding along 13 river catchments across North Eastern NSW, including the Wilsons River at Lismore.

“You will recall the floods from the end of March 2022. The worst-case scenario forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology’s rain and flood modelling suggests we could reach a similar level,” Commissioner Mike Wassing said.

“Floods at moderate and major levels in the past have seen many areas inundated, properties isolated, and thousands of people needing to evacuate.

“We are working with our emergency service partners to prioritise the safety and well-being of the community, including those who may be more vulnerable.”

Lifesavers, volunteers travel to offer assistance

Sydney based volunteer lifesavers and emergency response teams will be on the march up the Pacific Highway on Thursday to help low-lying towns such as Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay in NSW ahead of the cyclone deluge.

Surf Lifesaving NSW boss Steve Pearce told 2GB’s Ben Fordham that his teams have been deployed.

“We are deploying inflatable rescue boats, drones, and response vehicles,” Mr Pearce said.

“Everyone can expect to see a convoy of vehicles making their way up the highway on Thursday.”