Cyclone Alfred live updates: Authorities warn of landslide risks in hilly areas

Violent winds knocked down power lines on Friday as Tropical Cyclone Alfred crept towards Australia’s eastern coast, triggering evacuation orders and cutting electricity to more than 50,000 homes.

By Friday morning, the cyclone was about 165 kilometres (100 miles) east of Brisbane, inching towards the densely populated coastline at a "walking speed," according to government forecasts.

Around four million people were at risk along a 400-kilometre (250-mile) coastal stretch spanning the Queensland-New South Wales border. The area has rarely faced cyclones, with the last landfall in this part of Queensland occurring over 50 years ago.

Officials and utility companies reported widespread outages as powerful winds brought down power lines.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the storm had already "packed a punch," warning that conditions would worsen as it neared land late on Friday or early Saturday.

Australian meteorologists say Alfred’s movement is unpredictable, making it hard to pinpoint its exact landfall. The storm, which was initially expected on Thursday, is now projected to hit early Saturday. Authorities remain on high alert as they monitor its changing course.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged people in the cyclone’s path to take the warnings seriously. While the storm has slowed, he said this is not necessarily good news, as it means prolonged periods of extreme weather, leading to more damage and flooding.

Flood warnings now stretch further south, with places like Gloucester and Barrington Tops already seeing heavy rain. Some areas have recorded over 200 mm in the past week, and officials predict totals could rise past 500 mm in the coming days, leading to dangerous river flooding.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has warned that there may not be enough boats to evacuate everyone in flood-prone areas. He urged residents to leave early rather than wait until water levels rise, which could leave them trapped without power, water or medical help.

A record-breaking 12.4-metre wave has been recorded on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane. The powerful swells, driven by Alfred’s strong winds, have already caused erosion along popular beaches. Officials warn that rising tides and storm surges will only make the situation worse.

As Alfred moves toward Brisbane, which is home to 2.5 million people, the storm is expected to bring wind speeds similar to a Category 1 Atlantic hurricane. The city and its surrounding coastal suburbs are bracing for extreme weather conditions that could lead to widespread damage.

Emergency services in New South Wales have ordered evacuations in Lismore and other towns. Residents have been told to leave by 9 pm (local time) as floodwaters rise. Authorities fear that evacuation routes may soon be cut off, leaving people stranded without power or essential services.

The cyclone was initially expected to make landfall earlier but has slowed to just 6 kph. The Bureau of Meteorology now predicts it will reach Brisbane by 7 am (local time) on Saturday. This delay means longer exposure to heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, increasing the risk for coastal communities.

Heavy rainfall from the cyclone could destabilize hillsides, increasing the risk of landslides in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert and report any signs of shifting soil or falling debris.

Meteorologists and climate scientists point to rising ocean temperatures as a factor behind Alfred’s unusual strength and location. Research suggests that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent, raising concerns about future cyclones impacting populated areas.

As residents brace for potential destruction, insurance firms are expecting a flood of claims for property damage, car accidents, and business disruptions. Homeowners are being urged to review their policies, though some may face delays in compensation due to the expected high volume of claims.

Queensland’s coastal and river ecosystems are vulnerable to storm damage. Experts warn that heavy rains could impact marine life, while strong winds may destroy nesting areas for birds and other wildlife. Conservation groups are monitoring key natural reserves for potential destruction.

With over 900 schools in Queensland and New South Wales closed, education officials say reopening will depend on damage assessments. Flooded roads and power outages could delay the resumption of classes, potentially affecting thousands of students.

Several planned events in Brisbane and Gold Coast have been cancelled due to the cyclone. Concerts, sports matches and cultural festivals have either been postponed or moved indoors. The city’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics have also been momentarily disrupted.

With businesses shut down, transport halted and severe weather conditions looming, the economic impact of Cyclone Alfred is expected to be significant. Tourism, retail, and agriculture are particularly vulnerable. Analysts say damage estimates could run into the billions if the storm causes extensive flooding.

Massive waves measuring over 12 meters (40 feet) have already eroded parts of the coastline. Officials are worried that beaches and infrastructure along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast could suffer long-term damage. This raises concerns about the safety of coastal properties and tourism spots.

Firefighters, paramedics, and rescue teams are on high alert as Cyclone Alfred approaches. Boats and helicopters are ready for emergency evacuations in flood-hit areas. The government has urged residents to follow official warnings to reduce the risk of needing last-minute rescues.

Strong winds and heavy rain pose a major threat to power infrastructure. Thousands of homes in northern New South Wales have already lost electricity, and further outages are expected. Power companies are preparing repair teams, but restoration efforts may take days, depending on the storm’s severity.

Hospitals in Brisbane and surrounding areas are limiting services to emergencies only. With potential power outages and flood risks, medical centers are focusing on critical care. Authorities are ensuring backup power and emergency supplies are in place for the storm’s aftermath.

Due to overwhelming demand, Brisbane has run out of sandbags in many collection points. Some residents have resorted to using potting mix and other heavy materials to block floodwaters. A local volleyball business even reported theft of its sand, highlighting the desperation of the situation.

In anticipation of the cyclone, residents have rushed to stockpile essential supplies. Supermarkets have run out of bread, milk, bottled water and batteries. Long queues have formed outside stores, and some locations have imposed purchase limits to prevent hoarding.

Brisbane’s public transport has been suspended, and airports in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales have grounded flights. Roads are being flooded, causing travel disruptions. Authorities warn that transport services will only resume once it is safe to do so.

With thousands of homes potentially at risk, local authorities have opened emergency shelters across Queensland and northern New South Wales. These centers provide temporary refuge, food, and medical assistance. Officials urge residents in low-lying areas to seek shelter before conditions worsen.

While Queensland faces the brunt of Cyclone Alfred, New South Wales is also at risk. Rising rivers and heavy rains have prompted evacuation orders in 14 northern communities. The coast has been battered by record-high tides, and emergency services are warning residents to stay indoors.

With much of Brisbane built on a river floodplain, experts fear that Alfred’s impact could mirror past disasters like the 2011 floods. Up to 20,000 homes are at risk, and authorities are monitoring the Brisbane River for dangerous rises. Many residents have been urged to prepare for evacuation.

Unlike fast-moving cyclones that quickly pass over land, Alfred’s slow speed—just 7 kph (4 mph)—means prolonged exposure to heavy rains and strong winds. This increases the risk of flash floods, storm surges, and infrastructure damage. Meteorologists warn that the extended impact could make the storm more destructive than initially anticipated.

Scientists suggest that climate change is making extreme weather events like Cyclone Alfred more severe. Rising ocean temperatures are fueling stronger storms, and Queensland’s southeast, which rarely experiences cyclones, may now be at greater risk. The long-term impact of such storms raises concerns about the future of coastal communities.

Alfred’s strong winds have already caused power outages for over 4,500 homes and businesses. Public transport has been halted, hospitals are limiting operations to emergencies and essential supplies such as bread, milk and batteries have vanished from store shelves. Many residents are struggling to secure basic necessities.

Despite dangerous conditions, thrill-seeking surfers have flocked to the coast to ride Alfred’s enormous waves. Local officials have condemned this behavior, warning that emergency services may not be able to assist those who get into trouble. Fines of up to $10,000 have been threatened for reckless behavior.

Authorities have closed schools, suspended public transport, and advised thousands of residents to evacuate. More than 310,000 sandbags have been delivered to Brisbane, though shortages persist. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured the public that emergency funding will be provided to Queensland and New South Wales for disaster recovery.

Alfred’s winds have already reached 130 kph (81 mph), downing trees and cutting power to thousands of homes. Massive waves, the largest ever recorded in the region, have battered the coastline. Heavy rainfall threatens widespread flooding, particularly in Brisbane, which sits on a floodplain. Emergency responders are preparing for potential rescues as water levels rise.

Cyclones are common in northern Queensland but Alfred’s arrival in the temperate southeast is highly unusual. The last major storm of this kind, Cyclone Zoe, struck in 1974, causing massive flooding. With over four million people in its path, Alfred poses a serious threat to densely populated urban areas, including Brisbane.