The Calm Before the Storm: Preparing for Cyclone Alfred

Southeastern Queensland and Northern New South Wales citizens are preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, that will likely reach the coast between Thursday and Friday of this week. Currently sitting at category 2, the cyclone is expected to between category 1 and 2 once making landfall.

This cyclone is expected to bring damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h along the coastal fringes and island communities of southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. Tides are abnormally high between Sandy Cape and Yamba which is predicted continue until Friday at the earliest. These tides may cause minor flooding and lead to significant beach erosion.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to start from Wednesday, hitting approximately 600mm. These conditions may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding as the cyclone approaches the coast late Thursday or early Friday.

The cyclone’s projected path includes areas with high Indigenous populations, including lands of the Bundjalung, Yugambeh, and Githabul peoples.

Cyclone Alfred is predicted to cause destruction to many homes this week, as the more southern Queensland homes are not built to withstand tropical cyclones.

If it’s flooded, forget it.

As shallow as flood may appear, it can cause grave danger. Unpredicted depth and currents often have enough power to sweep away pedestrians and vehicles. In the case of a cyclone, floodwaters often hide debris, sinkholes, damaged roads, or downed power lines that can cause serious injuries or accidents.

Even if you avoid these immediate dangers, floodwater can be contaminated with sewage or hazardous chemicals, posing serious health risks.

Evacuation orders

Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas should keep a close eye on evacuation orders and prepare to relocate if necessary. It’s advised to keep an emergency kit in easy reach if the cyclone progresses. Things you might need but not limited to includes:

1. Essential Documents and Valuables
   • Identification i.e. Passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates
   • Important documents i.e. Insurance papers (home, health, car), bank documents, property deeds/lease
   • Cash
   • Valuables
2. Emergency Supplies
   • First aid kit i.e. Include bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and any essential medical supplies
   • Prescription medications
3. Clothing and Personal Items
   • Clothes – Pack enough clothes for several days
   • Sturdy footwear – Waterproof shoes or boots
   • Toiletries i.e. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products
   • Towels and blankets
4. Food and Water
   • Non-perishable food i.e. Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, etc.
   • Water – pack as much as you can
5. Communication Devices
   • Mobile phone and charger – Consider a portable power bank in case of power outages.
   • Flashlights or lanterns
   • Extra batteries

Staying safe at home

We won’t understand the full severity of Cyclone Alfred until it hits, so it is best to prepare for all possible scenarios.

Limit unattended objects left outside by moving what you can indoors. Winds will be enough to blow unstable furniture through windows, cars etc. Keep yourself and others safe by moving objects into your house, shed or garage.

Our water system is likely to get contaminated – make sure to pick up a 24 pack bottled water from the shops. If packs are running low due to the hysteria, fill up your bathtub and/or bottles at home to make sure you will have plenty of access to clean water.

Ensure your pantry is stocked with non-perishable goods.

Keep pet dogs/cats/birds indoors as much as possible. If you need assistance moving larger animals such as horses, check out community groups and local facilities.

It is possible that we will lose power for as little as three days. Keep hand-held electronics charged up and prepare portable charging devices as a back up. Have some non-technology based activities ready: books, puzzles, board games etc.

For urgent assistance

• Emergency calls: 000
• TTY emergency calls: 106
• State emergency service (SES): 132 500
• Find a detailed list of Queensland Emergency Contacts