As Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred transitions into a tropical low, the State Emergency Service (SES) and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are maintaining a high level of alertness, cautioning residents that the threat of severe weather has not diminished. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said “there are still significant challenges ahead,” in a press conference this morning.
“The challenges now: Flash flooding, creek rises. They remain a real pros with some of the rainfall predicted in the day as head. We have to be ready for that prospect. With swollen catchments, the risk of flash flooding remains,” he told reporters, per Yahoo News.
The tropical low is poised to move inland over the next few hours, bringing heavy rainfall that could exacerbate life-threatening flooding. Widespread totals of 300-500 millimetres are expected, with some areas in south-east Queensland potentially receiving over 800mm, according to forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior forecaster Christie Johnson, per Sky News. Major flood warnings and flood watches are in place across the state, prompting authorities to advise those in at-risk areas to remain prepared.
The situation is compounded by significant disruptions, with almost 250,000 homes without power — the largest power outage in Queensland in over a decade. Thirty-four evacuation centres are open and will remain operational due to the persistent flood risks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, stating, “The impacts are already being felt and there is worse to come in the hours ahead.
“Its impact will be serious and will intensify over coming hours and indeed overcoming days, it will still bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous conditions across South East Queensland and North East, New South Wales over this weekend and in the days beyond,” he said.
He warned: “Stay out of flood waters, do not risk it.”
Albanese cautioned, “Just because it’s been downgraded, people shouldn’t think that the danger has gone away.”
“We’re still seeing very strong winds. More importantly, we’re still seeing very heavy rainfalls, and therefore river rises, flash flooding and continued inundation of many areas,” said NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing.
As the storm’s slow progress continues, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid beaches, with fines in place for those who disregard these warnings. Evacuation orders are also in place.
“There are a number of areas across Queensland and NSW where people are being asked to evacuate,” Albanese said.
“It’s important that if the SES advise you to evacuate by a certain time, you do so.”
The situation is being closely monitored, with nearly 1,000 schools closed, public transport suspended, and airports shut until at least Sunday.
Despite the downgrade, the resilience of the Australian community is being tested once again.
As Prime Minister Albanese noted, “At the worst of times, we are once again seeing the best of the Australian character”.
The community is urged to remain cautious and follow all safety guidelines to ensure safety during this challenging period.
Lead image: 9 News / Getty
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