Millions bunker down in preparation for Cyclone Alfred’s late arrival

Millions of residents in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales have extra time to prepare as Tropical Cyclone Alfred is now expected to cross the Australian coast from Friday afternoon.

The category two tropical cyclone is predicted to hit between Maroochydore and Coolangatta in southeast Queensland but wild weather has already affected the coast from Coolangatta down to to Ballina in NSW.

Earlier predictions put Alfred crossing on Thursday night during high tide but the delay will mean that heavy rain and winds are likely to last longer.

About 20,000 properties in the Brisbane area face flooding and communities under threat in the Gold and Sunshine Coasts are expected to come to a near standstill for days.

Impacts from Tropical #CycloneAlfred increasing for south-east #Queensland and north-east #NewSouthWales.

Severe Weather Warnings and Flood Watches are current for south-east #Qld and north-east #NSW.

Latest: https://t.co/VRWX6YDrNx pic.twitter.com/9TCFIHLxb1

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 5, 2025

The government is urging residents in high-risk areas to stay with family and friends or head to evacuation centres and said others should stay home as millions brace for the first cyclone to hit the state’s southeast since 1974.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli advised those in the cyclone’s path that lives were more important than property and urged everyone to prioritise their, and their communities’ safety.

“When events like this happen, people realise truly what’s important in life – you are what’s important in life,” the Premier said.

“Of course you should do all the preparation to protect your property … but humans are worth more than any material possession.”

Gold Coast airport, along with schools, public transport, many shops, and major roads have been closed, while elective surgeries are on hold but emergency departments remain open.

Meanwhile, Qantas has cancelled a number of flights, Carnival Luminosa’s three-day cruise has been called off and Greyhound bus services from Brisbane have been axed.

Alfred is expected to make landfall about 4pm on Friday, March 7, with the system currently located about 300 kilometres east of the Gold Coast.