At least 300,000 people in Australia's Queensland state were without power today after ex-cyclone Alfred lashed the area with fierce winds and heavy flooding.
The formerly named Tropical Cyclone Alfred was expected to become the first cyclone to cross the Australian coast near the Queensland state capital of Brisbane since 1974. But it weakened to a tropical low yesterday - defined as carrying sustained winds of less than 63kph (39mph) fore later making landfall.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese warned that there was “worse to come”.
"Its impact will be serious and will intensify over coming hours and indeed over the coming days.”
Flood warnings are still in place as heavy rainfall continued on Sunday. The storm caused widespread destruction, beach erosion, and airport closures.
Fresh evacuation orders were issued in certain areas of NSW yesterday, with authorities warning that it may become too dangerous to rescue them if they do not evacuate immediately.
Thirteen people were injured in a crash between two military vehicles in Lismore, northern New South Wales (NSW). There were 36 people in the two vehicles which crashed.
KEY POINTS
- More than a dozen injured in army vehicle collision
- Ex-cyclone Alfred makes landfall on Australian coast
- Fresh evacuation orders issued in New South Wales
- 'This emergency is not over,’ says NSW premier, despite cyclone downgrading
- Alfred latest: Ex-tropical cyclone stalls near coast for hours
- Body found in floodwater after search for a missing man
In pictures: Alfred rips up trees on Australia's east coast
06:00 , Alex Croft
Flood emergency warning issued for Fraser Coast
05:30 , Stuti MishraA flood emergency warning has been issued for Queensland’s Fraser Coast, urging residents to “shelter indoors now”.
"Intense rainfall has fallen across the Fraser Coast regional council area leading to flash flooding. Do not drive unless necessary. Remember, if it is flooded, forget it."
Remnant of ex-cyclone Alfred move inland
05:08 , Stuti MishraAs the remnants of ex-Tropical #CycloneAlfred move over inland southern #Qld, heavy rain and damaging winds continue to be a risk.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 9, 2025
Heavy rainfall is also a possibility for parts of northern #NSW.
Latest: https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ pic.twitter.com/FNcBYaZJM1
What is a Tropical Low?
04:31 , Stuti Mishra, Climate CorrespondentEx-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened into a tropical low but continues to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of life-threatening flash flooding across southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. The system is moving inland after making landfall late on Saturday.
A tropical low is a weaker low-pressure system that forms over warm tropical waters and can either intensify into a cyclone or dissipate depending on conditions. Unlike fully developed cyclones, tropical lows lack a defined eye and strong wind circulation but can still bring torrential rain, gusty winds, and flooding.
Even though Alfred has weakened, saturated catchments and ongoing heavy rainfall mean flooding risks remain high. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert as rivers continue to rise and flash flooding remains a major concern.
Man charged after allegedly threatening emergency workers at NSW sandbag station
03:01 , Alex CroftA 23-year-old man has been charged after allegedly threatening State Emergency Service (SES) workers and community members at a sandbag station in northern NSW.
Police said the incident happened at Corindi Beach around 2.30pm on Friday, when the man took sandbags and drove away. He allegedly returned an hour later, took more sandbags from the public, and then threatened an SES worker with a shovel before turning on other emergency workers and locals.
Officers arrested the man and seized a knife, a machete, and the shovel from his vehicle. He was taken to Coffs Harbour police station and charged with intimidation and possessing a knife in a public place.
He was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where he was hit with an additional charge of intimidating a frontline emergency worker.
Why did Alfred weaken? And what comes next?
01:30 , Stuti Mishra, Climate CorrespondentAlfred spent more than 10 days in the Coral Sea, fluctuating in intensity as it struggled to maintain strength.
According to Associate professor Iftekhar Ahmed, tropical cyclones feed off warm ocean temperatures, but as they move toward shallower waters, they weaken. “The cloud cover generated by the cyclone can also reduce heat gain in the water, limiting further intensification,” he said.
However, even a weakened system can bring destruction. “The wind power has reduced, and Brisbane and southeast Queensland have escaped the worst-case scenario, but Alfred is still dumping heavy rain. Flooding is the main impact to watch out for,” Dr Ahmed added.
Watch: Solo rower who spent three days ‘fighting for life’ in Cyclone Alfred reunited with wife
00:00 , Alex CroftA solo rower who was caught in Cyclone Alfred, which had winds of up to 100km/h, while attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean from California to Australia has been reunited with his wife.
Aurimas Mockus, 44, from Lithuania, was stranded for three days in the Coral Sea around 460 miles off Queensland after encountering extreme weather conditions.
He was rescued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Following his rescue. Mr Mockus described "fighting for his life" while he was stranded.
As of Friday, 7 March, thousands in eastern Australia were ordered to evacuate as the cyclone lashed the region with torrential rain, fierce winds, and towering waves, causing widespread power outages, beach erosion, and airport closures.
Holly Patrick reports:
Rower who spent three days ‘fighting for life’ in Cyclone Alfred reunited with wife
Gold Coast blackout disrupts birthday plans as cyclone hits
Saturday 8 March 2025 22:29 , Alex CroftNSW residents Candice and Matthew Burgess had travelled from Batemans Bay to Currumbin to celebrate a 65th birthday, but their plans were disrupted by power outages on the Gold Coast.
Without electricity, the couple made a quick trip to gather essential supplies to get through the next few days.
"We have a place up here and we came up for Candi's 65th birthday and that's all been cancelled," Mr Burgess told ABC News.
"We had 30 people coming for lunch today but we're not doing that anymore, so we have about 100 bottles of wine, four bottles of gin and I don't know how many tonics."
Man swept away in flood identified as 61-year-old
Saturday 8 March 2025 21:46 , Tom WatlingA man who died after being swept away in floods in northern New South Wales, Australia, has been identified.
The man has been named as 61-year-old Tom Cook, also known as “Cookie”. A search was launched to look for Mr Cook on Friday after a neighbour unsuccessfully tried to the 61-year-old as he climbed onto a tree to avoid the floods.
Police say a man’s body was found nearby at about 4.30 pm on Saturday.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese earlier commented on the “tragic news,” saying his thoughts were with the man’s loved ones and community.
Storm Alfred to bring heavy rain to inland area
Saturday 8 March 2025 21:00 , Alex CroftStorm Alfred will continue to track west across the Australian inland after making landfall late on Saturday 55 kilometres north of Brisbane.
It will being heavy rain to more inland areas, the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.
"The real threat now is from that locally heavy-to-intense rainfall, which may lead to flash and riverine flooding," bureau manager Matt Collopy said.
Man charged after allegedly attempting to steal power generator in Queensland
Saturday 8 March 2025 20:01 , Alex CroftA man has been charged after allegedly attempting to steal a power generator which was powering traffic lights in Caboolture, Queensland on Saturday.
Around 3pm, officers were warned of a man attempting to steal a generator powering a set of traffic lights, before he was disturbed and left the scene in a white utility, Queensland Police said.
It is unclear whether the 39-year-old was attempting to steal the generator due to powercuts related to ex-cyclone Alfred.
But acting chief superintendent Adam Guild said authorities have “zero tolerance for stealing, especially during disaster”.
He is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on April 4.
Pictured: Expected route of ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it moves inland
Saturday 8 March 2025 19:00 , Alex CroftAustralia’s Bureau of Meteorology has shared a graphic showing the expected route of ex-cyclone Alfred as it moves inland after making landfall late on Saturday.
“The centre of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has moved across Bribie Island and onto the Queensland mainland in the past few hours,” the bureau wrote in a post on X.
“It will now move westward into inland parts of the south-east. Heavy rain and damaging wind currently occurring in many areas as it moves onshore.”
The centre of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has moved across Bribie Island and onto the Queensland mainland in the past few hours. It will now move westward into inland parts of the south-east.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 8, 2025
Heavy rain and damaging wind currently occurring in many areas as it moves onshore. pic.twitter.com/rbkw1fo15T
Qantas hoping to restart flights at Brisbane, Gold Coast and Maroochydore from Sunday
Saturday 8 March 2025 17:59 , Alex CroftQantas says it is working to restart domestic and international flights at Brisbane, Gold Coast and Maroochydore from 6am Sunday (8pm GMT).
In a statement, the airline said this was “subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.”
The full statement read: “We are expecting to progressively rebuild our schedule throughout the day.
“Our teams are working to help customers travel in and out of southeast Queensland and northern NSW as safely and as quickly as possible and continue to work closely with the state and federal government and the relevant local airport authorities.”
'Worse to come', says Australian PM
Saturday 8 March 2025 16:58 , Alex CroftAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has warned that there is “worse to come” as ex-cyclone Alfred strikes Australia’s east coast.
"The impacts are already being felt, and there is worse to come in the hours ahead," Mr Albanese said in a news conference from the National Situation Room in Canberra on Saturday.
"Its impact will be serious and will intensify over coming hours and indeed over the coming 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 added.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowing down – here’s why that makes it more dangerous
Saturday 8 March 2025 16:26 , Alex CroftTropical Cyclone Alfred, which had already been moving at a sluggish pace, has slowed even further now, delaying the landfall and raising serious concerns about prolonged storm impacts for Australia’s eastern coast.
Initially expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, the latest forecast shows Alfred is now moving at a speed of just 7kmph, slowed down by half of its speed on Wednesday.
The storm may not reach the coast until early Saturday now, meaning millions in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales will endure damaging winds, torrential rain, and dangerous surf conditions for much longer than anticipated.
Climate correspondent Stuti MIshra reports:
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowing down – here’s why it matters
In pictures: Major beach erosion as Australia's Gold Coast battered
Saturday 8 March 2025 15:53 , Alex Croft
More than a dozen injured in army vehicle collision
Saturday 8 March 2025 15:23 , Alex CroftMultiple defence force personnel have been injured in a collision of two army vehicles in New South Wales.
Both trucks rolled after the collision outside of Lismore in northern NSW - but it is not clear exactly how the accident happened, ABC reported.
There were 36 people in the Australian Defence Force vehicles involved in the crash, 13 of whom were injured, the ADF said.
"A number of ADF personnel have been injured. The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence's focus is on supporting those involved," the ADF said in a statement.
Watch: Australians unite to clear road in severe conditions
Saturday 8 March 2025 14:43 , Alex Croft🌀Tropical Cyclone Alfred 🌀#onlyinaustralia
— Rebecca Ryan (@DrRebeccaRyan) March 7, 2025
Don’t let a fallen tree stop you getting onto the M1.
Natural disasters either bring out the worst in humanity or the best. Everyone working together to get home safely. pic.twitter.com/O4ooyvWQ66
Watch: Ocean rower who spent three days ‘fighting for his life’ in Cyclone Alfred reunited with wife
Saturday 8 March 2025 14:22 , Alex CroftStorm Alfred is a slow-moving storm: here's why they are worse
Saturday 8 March 2025 13:38 , Stuti MishraA slow-moving cyclone is often far worse than one that moves quickly. The longer a cyclone stays over a region, the more rain it dumps.
“Both wind and rainfall will be prolonged over areas affected which will exacerbate the impact felt by people and infrastructure,” Michael Barnes, research fellow at Monash University, told The Independent. “This includes rainfall and wind as well as storm surge and coastal wave effects.”
Flood warnings are already in place, with southeast Queensland and northern NSW expecting accumulated 800mm of rain expected, with higher totals possible in some areas. Life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding are major concerns.
Northern New South Wales has already recorded over 200mm of rainfall in 24 hours while Queensland has recorded o ver 100mm in hinterland areas and the Scenic Rim by 8am on Thursday.
When rain continues to fall on an already soaked ground, the risk of life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding increases since the water has nowhere to go, overwhelming rivers, storm drains, and low-lying areas much faster. The prolonged heavy rain also means that floodwaters will take longer to recede, extending the impact on communities.
Deadly bacterial disease surges in Queensland after severe flooding
Saturday 8 March 2025 13:36 , Alex CroftCases of the deadly bacterial infection melioidosis have surged in north Queensland following this year’s devastating floods, with 119 infections reported—more than three times the number recorded in the same period in 2024.
Sixteen people have died so far.
Of the confirmed cases, 106 were detected in Cairns and Townsville.
The disease, caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, thrives in tropical regions and is typically triggered by environmental disruptions such as flooding. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, inhalation, or contaminated water consumption.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Warner, a microbiology expert at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, described melioidosis as an “opportunistic infection” that primarily affects those with underlying health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease.
Heavy alcohol consumption also increases susceptibility.
The disease, often mistaken for severe respiratory infections, can rapidly progress to pneumonia and sepsis. “Even when people present in well-resourced hospitals, the disease can be fatal,” the Guardian quoted Dr Warner as saying.
Ex-cyclone Alfred makes landfall on Australian coast
Saturday 8 March 2025 13:08 , Alex CroftFormer cyclone Alfred has made landfall on the Australia’s coast, causing significant damage and flooding, Australian weather authorities have confirmed.
“As the system continues over land it will bring a large amount of rain across the south-east and parts of southern inland Queensland, in the next 2-3 days,” Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says.
Radar loop showing ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred making landfall on Saturday evening. As the system continues over land it will bring a large amount of rain across the south-east and parts of southern inland Queensland, in the next 2-3 days. pic.twitter.com/F2dp7zz2LP
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 8, 2025
Starmer speaks with Australian PM
Saturday 8 March 2025 12:29 , Alex CroftUK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
In talks which largely centred around defence, Sir Keir also offered his sympathy regarding the impact of Cyclone Alfred.
Mr Albanese wrote on X: “Thank you for your sympathy for the impact of Cyclone Alfred.”
A Downing Street spokesperson said Sir Keir had expressed his “support for all Australians effected by the Cyclone and paid tribute to the strength of the partnership between the two countries”.
Good to talk with @Keir_Starmer tonight reaffirming our support for AUKUS, our commitment to the brave people of Ukraine in defence of their sovereignty and international law - thank you for your sympathy for the impact of Cyclone Alfred.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 8, 2025
Fresh evacuation orders issued in New South Wales
Saturday 8 March 2025 12:01 , Alex CroftFresh evacuation orders have been issued in parts of New South Wales due to flooding, with authorities warning residents to evacuate now before rescue efforts become impossible.
“You must evacuate now because evacuation routes may be cut,” regional authorities say in the alert.
“You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding,” it added.
“If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.”
The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE NOW due to minor flooding:
— NSW SES (@NSWSES) March 8, 2025
- Rural areas along Yellow Rock Road and properties along Mylestom Drive
EMERGENCY WARNING
Find out more: https://t.co/RwKfVvmKEX#NSWSES #BellingerRiver #KalangRiver pic.twitter.com/5WXnkDU5Q5
What is a Tropical Low?
Saturday 8 March 2025 11:30 , Stuti MishraEx-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened into a tropical low but continues to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of life-threatening flash flooding across southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. Although the system has stalled off the coast, it is expected to gradually move inland over the coming days.
A tropical low is a weaker low-pressure system that forms over warm tropical waters and can either intensify into a cyclone or dissipate depending on conditions. Unlike fully developed cyclones, tropical lows lack a defined eye and strong wind circulation but can still bring torrential rain, gusty winds, and flooding.
Even though Alfred has weakened, saturated catchments and ongoing heavy rainfall mean flooding risks remain high. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert as rivers continue to rise and flash flooding remains a major concern.
Latest forecast: Ex-cyclone Alfred continues to stall offshore
Saturday 8 March 2025 11:00 , Stuti MishraEx-cyclone Alfred continues to stall off the southeast Queensland coast, according to Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), with rainfall and flood risks remaining.
Heavy rain is converging along the coast, with 50-60mm already recorded since this morning and totals expected to reach 200-300mm in some areas, BoM Said. The Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Brisbane are likely to see the heaviest rain later today, continuing into the evening. BoM warns this will fuel dangerous flash flooding and major river rises, with flood peaks now expected overnight into Sunday morning.
Alfred is expected to drift inland over the next few days, but its slow movement means prolonged extreme weather. Rainfall is expected to ease early next week, but major flooding remains a significant threat. Authorities urge residents to stay updated and follow emergency warnings.
Man charged after allegedly threatening emergency workers at NSW sandbag station
Saturday 8 March 2025 10:30 , Stuti MishraA 23-year-old man has been charged after allegedly threatening State Emergency Service (SES) workers and community members at a sandbag station in northern NSW.
Police said the incident happened at Corindi Beach around 2.30pm on Friday, when the man took sandbags and drove away. He allegedly returned an hour later, took more sandbags from the public, and then threatened an SES worker with a shovel before turning on other emergency workers and locals.
Officers arrested the man and seized a knife, a machete, and the shovel from his vehicle. He was taken to Coffs Harbour police station and charged with intimidation and possessing a knife in a public place.
He was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where he was hit with an additional charge of intimidating a frontline emergency worker.
Buses to resume in Queensland tomorrow, but trains remain suspended
Saturday 8 March 2025 10:00 , Stuti MishraBuses will resume operations across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, and Toowoomba from tomorrow, with normal or partial services in some areas, Queensland premier David Crisafulli said.
However, train services will remain suspended as authorities assess damage to tracks, particularly on the Gold Coast line.
“There’s a lot of assessment work to be done,” Mr Crisafulli said, adding that updates on rail services will be provided tomorrow.
Only one emergency warning remains in Queensland
Saturday 8 March 2025 09:30 , Stuti MishraAll emergency alerts in Queensland have now been cancelled except for one, and no loss of life or missing person has been reported in the state, officials say.The only existing warning urges Killarney residents to conserve water due to supply issues.
Photos of Alfred's damage in Queensland and NSW
Saturday 8 March 2025 09:00 , Stuti Mishra
Body found in floodwater after search for a missing man
Saturday 8 March 2025 08:12 , Stuti MishraA body has been found during the search for a 61-year-old man who was swept away in floodwaters near Dorrigo, northern NSW.
The man was lost after his ute was washed off a bridge into fast-moving water on Friday afternoon. He managed to climb into a tree about 30 metres from the riverbank, but emergency services were unable to reach him before he was carried away by the current.
NSW Police confirmed that a body was discovered nearby at 4.30pm on Saturday. While formal identification is yet to take place, authorities believe it is the missing man. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Why did Alfred weaken? And what comes next?
Saturday 8 March 2025 07:30 , Stuti MishraAlfred spent more than 10 days in the Coral Sea, fluctuating in intensity as it struggled to maintain strength. According to Associate professor Iftekhar Ahmed, tropical cyclones feed off warm ocean temperatures, but as they move toward shallower waters, they weaken. “The cloud cover generated by the cyclone can also reduce heat gain in the water, limiting further intensification,” he said.
However, even a weakened system can bring destruction. “The wind power has reduced, and Brisbane and southeast Queensland have escaped the worst-case scenario, but Alfred is still dumping heavy rain. Flooding is the main impact to watch out for,” Dr Ahmed added.
Gold Coast avoids worst-case scenario, but major power outages and flooding remain
Saturday 8 March 2025 06:45 , Stuti MishraActing Gold Coast mayor Donna Gates says the city has fared better than expected after a tense night of damaging winds and heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred.
"We had winds of upwards of 100kmph last night," she said in an update to reporters a while ago, adding that gale-force winds could still persist throughout the day.
More than 134,000 homes remain without power, with the city's main priority now being to restore electricity to hospitals. Gates said Gold Coast University Hospital and John Flynn Private Hospital were the focus of restoration efforts, with John Flynn’s reactivation also being crucial for reopening the airport.
"I understand there's a fair bit of work to do at the airport," she said. "They are not ready to accept passengers."
Meanwhile, major river flooding has been recorded at Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creek. Three evacuation centres remain open, with 122 evacuees seeking refuge overnight. However, two centres lost power, and authorities are working to restore electricity.
To support residents still without power, the council plans to open community centres and libraries as safe hubs where people can charge devices, access medical equipment, and get a hot drink. Ms Gates said updates on which locations would be available will be posted on the City of Gold Coast's disaster dashboard.
Gold Coast to reduce warnings
Saturday 8 March 2025 06:00 , Stuti MishraGold Coast is scaling back warnings, the city's disaster coordinator, Mark Ryan, says.
The warnings levels will be reduced to Yellow level, which means residents can use their own judgement and act with caution.
Earlier, Gold Coast acting mayor Donna Gates asked people to be careful when deciding to step outside.
"Use your common sense but still stay away from that damaged infrastructure and the beaches but monitor the conditions," she said.
"If you need to be on the roads, drive to the conditions but bearing in mind … you are better off the road today if at all possible."
Qantas hoping to restart flights at Brisbane, Gold Coast and Maroochydore from tomorrow
Saturday 8 March 2025 05:15 , Stuti MishraQantas says it is working to restart domestic and international flights at Brisbane, Gold Coast and Maroochydore from 6am tomorrow.
In a statement, the airline said this was “subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.”
We are expecting to progressively rebuild our schedule throughout the day.
Our teams are working to help customers travel in and out of southeast Queensland and northern NSW as safely and as quickly as possible and continue to work closely with the state and federal government and the relevant local airport authorities.
Sunshine Coast ‘breathing sigh of relief’, mayor says
Saturday 8 March 2025 04:29 , Stuti MishraThe Sunshine Coast mayor said her community was “breathing a sigh of relief” as they fared better than they had feared.
"On the Sunshine Coast, we are really breathing a sigh of relief because we are not seeing right now the same impact as our neighbours to the south," Rosanna Natoli told ABC News. Ms Natoli, however, added that they were still prepared for potential flash flooding.
Speaking to Sky News, she said: "We’ve been waiting and for a few days there it looked like we might actually be where the cyclone crossed, and we might bear the absolute worst, and that hasn’t happened."
She said some areas haven't seen any rainfall but the community is "not out of the woods yet".
"It’s almost as if we’re still waiting for our turn with Alfred."
"It is a strange place to be in between the storm that was [and] what we’ve seen happening down south, [but] it’s no time to be complacent."
Mapped: All flood warnings as rivers swell up
Saturday 8 March 2025 04:03 , Stuti Mishra
Police unable to find man missing in floodwaters
Saturday 8 March 2025 03:30 , Stuti MishraNSW police says they have been unable to find the missing man who was lost in floodwaters near Dorrigo.
"Police have responded to the scene where the male had been washed downstream, there was a short period of time where they were able to engage with him, however his position inside the flooded river prevented any emergency services from getting close to him. And unfortunately he has been washed downstream."
The 61-year-old was a local from the Megan township, the police said, and believed to be passing from one area to another.
"His vehicle has entered a flooded bridge and was washed off. This highlights the public messaging; do not enter flooded roads, bridges or causeways."
'This emergency is not over,’ says NSW premier
Saturday 8 March 2025 03:14 , Stuti MishraNSW premier Chris Minns warned 'this emergency is not over' even as Alfred is downgraded.
"The rivers are full, the rain is continuing and expected to keep falling in the days ahead, and wind conditions are very high and extreme, particularly on the coast, particularly in the Byron Shire right up to the Queensland border," the premier said this morning.
"It is crucially important that the public not dismiss this weather event as something that has already passed."
It really doesn’t matter to us whether it has been downgraded from the tropical cyclone to a weather event, or whether it is still a tropical cyclone.
The effect on the northern rivers communities and lower down into the Coffs Harbour area is still the same for thousands and thousands of families.
The next 24 hours will be crucially important as we look to see what the weather event will do to these communities."
Alfred latest: Ex-tropical cyclone stalls near coast for hours
Saturday 8 March 2025 03:00 , Stuti MishraEx-tropical cyclone Alfred has been lingering off the coast of Queensland for hours as a very slow-moving system.
The storm lies off Bribie Island and is moving slowly north, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.
It is expected to cross the mainland coast between Maroochydore and Bribie Island this morning.
The storm was downgraded to a Tropical Low, which means it doesn't have cyclone strength anymore but it is still continuing to lash a large region with rainfall.
The tropical low has sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85kmph.
It was located within 65km north northeast of Brisbane and 40km south southeast of Maroochydore.
BoM said heavy rainfall is expected to continue over southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales during the weekend.
Deadly bacterial disease surges in Queensland after severe flooding
Saturday 8 March 2025 02:30 , Shweta SharmaCases of the deadly bacterial infection melioidosis have surged in north Queensland following this year’s devastating floods, with 119 infections reported—more than three times the number recorded in the same period in 2024.
Sixteen people have died so far.
Of the confirmed cases, 106 were detected in Cairns and Townsville.
The disease, caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, thrives in tropical regions and is typically triggered by environmental disruptions such as flooding. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, inhalation, or contaminated water consumption.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Warner, a microbiology expert at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, described melioidosis as an “opportunistic infection” that primarily affects those with underlying health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease.
Heavy alcohol consumption also increases susceptibility.
The disease, often mistaken for severe respiratory infections, can rapidly progress to pneumonia and sepsis. “Even when people present in well-resourced hospitals, the disease can be fatal,” the Guardian quoted Dr Warner as saying.
Why did Alfred weaken? And what comes next?
Saturday 8 March 2025 17:15 , Stuti Mishra, Climate CorrespondentAlfred spent more than 10 days in the Coral Sea, fluctuating in intensity as it struggled to maintain strength.
According to Associate professor Iftekhar Ahmed, tropical cyclones feed off warm ocean temperatures, but as they move toward shallower waters, they weaken. “The cloud cover generated by the cyclone can also reduce heat gain in the water, limiting further intensification,” he said.
However, even a weakened system can bring destruction. “The wind power has reduced, and Brisbane and southeast Queensland have escaped the worst-case scenario, but Alfred is still dumping heavy rain. Flooding is the main impact to watch out for,” Dr Ahmed added.
Thousands in Australia told to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears east coast
Saturday 8 March 2025 01:30 , Shweta SharmaThousands of residents in Australia's east were ordered to evacuate ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred's landfall on Saturday as the storm brought heavy rains, huge waves and strong winds that cut off power, eroded beaches and closed airports.
Alfred has been moving slowly toward the coast raising concerns it could result in a longer and prolonged period of heavy rainfall. It is still expected to land as a Category 2 storm north of Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
"Overnight we saw it packed a punch," Queensland premier David Crisafulli said.
"You will continue to see the winds during the course of today but then there is that rain and often in cyclones, that rainfall, lots of it in a short window can also be really problematic," Mr Crisafulli told ABC News.
Albanese says he won't call election for April as cyclone approaches
Saturday 8 March 2025 00:30 , Shweta SharmaAustralia's prime minister Anthony Albanese ruled out calling a national election for April on Sunday or Monday, as had been expected, so his government can focus on an approaching cyclone in Queensland state.
A national election must be held by mid-May, and had been expected for April so the government could avoid delivering a national budget forecast to show a deficit"It is our intention to serve full term," Mr Albanese said in a television interview with the ABC News on Friday evening.
The preparation work had been done to deliver a budget on 25 March, he said.
"I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do. And what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time," Mr Albanese added.
20,000 people under evacuation orders
Friday 7 March 2025 23:41 , Holly EvansNew South Wales SES Commissioner Mike Wassing has said in a press conference that 20,000 people in the state's north-east are under evacuation orders.
They anticipate this number could rise, while there are 131 warnings, including 40 emergency warnings, in the state.
And emergency services have carried out 35 rescues in the past 24 hours, mostly from people driving through floodwaters.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowing down – here’s why that makes it more dangerous
Friday 7 March 2025 23:30 , Shweta SharmaSign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planetSIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which had already been moving at a sluggish pace, has slowed even further now, delaying the landfall and raising serious concerns about prolonged storm impacts for Australia’s eastern coast.
Initially expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, the latest forecast shows Alfred is now moving at a speed of just 7kmph, slowed down by half of its speed on Wednesday.
The storm may not reach the coast until early Saturday now, meaning millions in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales will endure damaging winds, torrential rain, and dangerous surf conditions for much longer than anticipated.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowing down – here’s why it matters
Cyclone Alfred will have impact on Australian economy
Friday 7 March 2025 23:24 , Holly EvansThe Australian prime minister said there is "no question" Alfred will have an impact on the national economy.
"Businesses are closed, people are unable to go to work," Anthony Albanese said.
"The human impact is one thing, the environmental impact is significant, but the economic impact is as well.
"We will be making that assessment in the coming days."
Australian PM warns 'worse to come' as cyclone approaches mainland
Friday 7 March 2025 22:58 , Holly EvansAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese, speaking again in the National Situation Room in Canberra, says there is "worse to come".
The approach of Cyclone Alfred has left more than a quarter of a million people without power with residents urged to remain indoors.
"Right now, very clearly, we need to stick together and continue to look after each other," Mr Albanese said.
"The impacts are already being felt, and there is worse to come in the hours ahead.
"We must remain vigilant. This is a very serious weather event."
“Its impact will be serious and will intensify over coming hours and, indeed, over coming days," he said.
"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."
Severe wind and rain could remain a threat for days
Friday 7 March 2025 22:42 , Holly EvansResidents in Queensland and New South Wales have woken to windy and stormy weather and have been warned to stay indoors for much of Saturday.
Due to the “prolonged crossing” of the cyclone, experts believe it could mean that severe wind and rain remain a threat for an extended period.
Matthew Callopy, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the primary concern was now from heavy rainfall.
“Rainfall totals of over 250mm have already been observed around the Scenic Rim and we’ve seen widespread totals of 100mm to 200mm both on the Gold Coast, but also stretching up into the southern parts of Brisbane,” he said.
Gold Coast blackout disrupts birthday plans as cyclone hits
Friday 7 March 2025 22:30 , Shweta SharmaNSW residents Candice and Matthew Burgess had travelled from Batemans Bay to Currumbin to celebrate a 65th birthday, but their plans were disrupted by power outages on the Gold Coast.
Now without electricity, the couple made a quick trip to gather essential supplies to get through the next few days.
"We have a place up here and we came up for Candi's 65th birthday and that's all been cancelled," Mr Burgess told ABC News.
"We had 30 people coming for lunch today but we're not doing that anymore, so we have about 100 bottles of wine, four bottles of gin and I don't know how many tonics."
21 people evacuated from apartment block as flooding continues
Friday 7 March 2025 22:18 , Holly EvansThe State Emergency Service in Queensland spokesperson recently there has been no loss of life and no missing persons as a result of flooding that has hit the area.
“Overnight we responded to a large number of jobs with trees down damaging houses, in suburbs such as Elanora, Robena, Mount Cotton, Eden’s Landing. … We’ve seen a lot of vegetation down, power lines down right across the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas.
“We did see an a apartment complex in Labrador on the Gold Coast suffer damage. 21 persons were safely evacuated from that apartment complex and are now in our evacuation centres with one lady suffering minor injuries, but she is in good health.
“There were no significant reports of damage to houses or infrastructure on Stradbroke, Moreton Island or our lower bay islands, as the tropical cyclone passed over that area, although we do probably expect, as people come out to inspect their houses, return to the islands, inspect their businesses - we will see reports of minor damages moving forward.”
Damage seen to buildings and beaches as cyclone approaches
Friday 7 March 2025 21:52 , Holly EvansGiving an update, Queensland premier David Crisafulli has said that the cyclone has been downgraded from Category 1 to a tropical low and remains in this state off the coast near Bribie Island.
He said: “We have seen some damage to some buildings. We’ve seen the loss of a roof off one of the apartment buildings, one of the older buildings on the Gold Coast. We’ve had quite a few instances of trees falling on homes, cars and power lines.”
He also added that “extreme erosion” had been seen to the beaches which had also impacted the infrastructure.
Warmer oceans fuel Cyclone Alfred as it tracks further south
Friday 7 March 2025 21:30 , Rachel ClunCyclone Alfred is expected to maintain intensity as it approaches the coast, highlighting how rising ocean temperatures are enabling tropical cyclones to sustain themselves further south than usual.
Warm ocean waters – above 26.5C – and low vertical wind shear are essential for a cyclone to develop, strengthen, and sustain itself. The climate crisis affects both.
Currently, the water off the coast of Sydney has a temperature of 27C, about 1C above average.
Rising global temperatures, driven by burning coal, oil and gas, are increasing sea surface temperatures across the planet, increasing marine heatwaves and fuelling hurricanes and cyclones.
In fact, when Alfred developed in late February, it formed alongside two more systems. While it is not unheard of for two or three tropical cyclones to form out of the same trough, it is rare in the South Pacific.
“Tropical cyclones are clearly linked to global warming. Scientists have been pointing this out for years, and we are now seeing evidence in real time – stronger storms, reaching further, impacting a larger area,” Dr Iftekhar Ahmed, associate professor at the University of Newcastle.
“This is a problem we are seeing worldwide,” said Dr Tom Mortlock, head of Climate Analytics Asia-Pacific. “Right now, ocean temperatures are warm enough to sustain tropical cyclones as far south as Sydney, which is highly unusual.”
Over 250,000 people without power
Friday 7 March 2025 21:28 , Holly EvansHundreds of thousands of people are without power due to Cyclone Alfred, with almost 240,000 in Queensland and 38,000 in New South Wales.
Energex said that 239,564 customers had been affected by power outages. They warned customers to be prepared for those outages to last a while:
A spokesperson said: “We are experiencing outages on the electricity network from the impact of the cyclone. Gale force winds and floods can cause extensive damage, so be prepared for prolonged power outages.
“Once the cyclone has passed and our crews can safely assess the network damage, we will provide estimated restoration timeframes for customers.”
Cyclone Alfred downgraded to a tropical low
Friday 7 March 2025 21:03 , Holly EvansCyclone Alfred has now been downgraded to a “tropical low”, the bureau of meteorology has said.
It has sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.
In a statement, they said: “Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred lies off Bribie Island and is moving slowly north. Gales are no longer occurring over coastal or island locations. It is expected to move towards and cross the mainland coast this morning, with winds weakening further as it moves inland.”
Nearly 4.5 million in the path of cyclone Alfred
Friday 7 March 2025 20:31 , Shweta SharmaAuthorities said nearly 4.5 million people could be in the path of Alfred as northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland reeled under a spell of heavy rains and strong winds.
Authorities warned the tropical cyclone could bring up to 800mm rainfall in the two regions with landfall on Saturday morning.
Australia's east coast battered by wind and rain
Friday 7 March 2025 20:00 , Holly EvansPart of Australia's east coast was lashed by wind and rain early Saturday ahead of its first tropical cyclone in 51 years as residents were ordered to evacuate flood-prone homes and a quarter of a million homes and businesses lost power.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred was forecast to cross the coast of Queensland state north of downtown Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city early Saturday.
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Bureau of Meteorology manager Matt Collopy said."It's important to note that the exact track is still uncertain," Collopy told reporters in Brisbane.
Alfred was moving west with sustained winds near the center of 95 kph (59 mph) and gusting to 130 kph (81 mph). But the storm was expected to weaken as it approached Brisbane, Collopy said."This will mean that destructive winds are unlikely for Brisbane itself, but damaging wind gusts to 120 kph (75 mph) are expected and they will develop quickly as the system approaches," Collopy said.
Man missing in NSW after being swept into floodwaters
Friday 7 March 2025 19:30 , Shweta SharmaA search has been launched after a man was swept into gushing floodwaters in northern New South Wales today, despite his desperate attempt to secure himself to a tree.
Emergency services responded to calls of a man being washed off a bridge and into the floodwaters at 2.20pm local time.
The man was driving across Wild Cattle Creek Bridge off Old Coramba Rd, Megan, a NSW Police media release said, when he got hit by floodwaters.
The man exited the car and tried to cling to a tree branch, 30m from the river bank, and officers were communicating with him when he lost his grip.
At 3pm he was seen going into the fast running water and has not been seen since.
Police are conducting ground searches as they await aerial assistance.
When and where is Alfred expected to make landfall?
Friday 7 March 2025 19:18 , Holly EvansAccording to Queensland’s Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone is forecast to hit land on Saturday morning just north of Brisbane about 9am (11pm GMT on Friday) .
The Category 2 storm is current around 80km away from Brisbane and is due to hit wind speeds of around 80mph.
Its progress has slowed in recent days due to the warm waters off Queensland stalling the speed, but has unfortunately given the storm time to intensify.
Beaches on Gold Coast eroded away in rare cyclone
Friday 7 March 2025 18:49 , Holly EvansCyclones are common in Queensland's tropical north but are rare in the state's temperate and densely populated south-east corner that borders New South Wales state.
The Sunshine Coast region north of Brisbane and the city of Gold Coast to the south are tourist destinations renowned for their extensive and picturesque white sandy beaches.
But many of those beaches have eroded away over days by large waves and unusually high tides generated by Alfred.
Alfred is expected to become the first cyclone to cross the coast in the Brisbane region since Cyclone Zoe hit Gold Coast in 1974 and brought widespread flooding.
The cyclone has been tracking south from the tropics for weeks.
