Sunshine Coast locals are being advised to be ready for the impacts of a cyclone that is expected to make landfall within days.
The Bureau of Meteorology stated late Sunday that Tropical Cyclone Alfred was about 545km east of Rockhampton and tracking south-east but it was expected to move towards the coast from Tuesday.
Forecast maps have showed the Sunshine Coast is in the firing line, putting the local disaster management team at ‘Alert’ status and prompting the SES to start supplying residents with sandbags.
“There is increasing confidence that Alfred will track westwards,” the BOM stated.
“Much of the guidance favours landfall on Thursday, along the South-East Queensland or far northern NSW coast. Severe coastal hazards are likely.
“Heavy to locally intense rainfall is forecast from Wednesday as Alfred approaches the coast.”
The cyclone was Category 1 on Sunday but expected to re-intensify to Category 2 by Tuesday afternoon.
The Sunshine Coast is subject to a coastal hazard warning, a marine wind warning and an initial flood watch.
“Rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred has the potential to cause major flooding along Queensland coastal rivers from the Maryborough to the NSW border,” the BOM stated.
“The heaviest rainfall will be south of the tropical cyclone track … (and) is likely from late Wednesday, continuing Thursday, Friday and into the weekend.
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“Rapid river level rises and flash flooding is expected across many creeks associated with the heaviest rainfall with widespread, including major, riverine flooding possible.
“Abnormally high tides are (also) expected to increase the flood risk in coastal low-lying areas.
“High sea levels and large waves are likely at coastal locations and may exacerbate flooding and cause flooding impacts.”
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Powerful surf appears to be a risk of Bribie Island splitting in a second location.
Caloundra locals were already reporting stormwater drainage backfilling with the high tide behind the Caloundra Powerboat Club, after a 2m high tide.
Gale force winds were also expected from late Sunday.
Sunshine Coast Council encouraged locals to be vigilant.
“It’s crucial to stay informed and prepared,” a media release stated on Sunday.
“Now is the time for our community to look out for one another, especially our senior family, friends and neighbours.
“Let them know what’s happening and ask if they need any supplies or assistance. We are not at a critical point yet but it’s always good to be prepared.
“Very strong winds could knock down trees, powerlines and blow away unsecured items; power, phones, internet and water may stop working; heavy rain and storm surge may cause flooding; and roads may be blocked by fallen trees, powerlines or flood water.
“Council is urging the community to stay away from, and report, fallen trees and downed power lines.
“Prepare your emergency kit with essentials like a battery-powered radio, torch, tinned food, bottled water, mobile phone charger, important medicine and important papers; if you have special or medical needs, ensure you have enough medicine and plan for power outages.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland on Friday called on anyone considering visiting the beach to refer to the BOM warnings and heed the guidance of lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers before going near the water.
Local beaches could be closed in coming days if Alfred makes its way towards the coast, with some, including Mudjimba, already closed on Sunday.
Premier David Crisafulli urged South-East Queenslanders to be on guard.
“We’re just asking people to just be prepared and heed the warnings and do what you can to get ready,” he said.
“It is important that we take the precautionary tone in this.
“The cyclone warning isn’t in place at this stage but it is expected that that will occur within the days ahead and again I ask Queenslanders in that area to pay particular attention to that,” he said.
“Given the size of the population (in the south-east) and the fact it’s at a part of the state that we often don’t see these warnings, we thought that it would be important for us to move to a precautionary and preparation phase.”
He said the Pumicestone Passage was a focus.
“There is a real challenge in that area … places like Golden Beach and there is a prospect of further breakthroughs (at Bribie Island), which presents some risks,” he said.
“The prospect of winds, coupled with the big tides, presents a real challenge in that area.
“That (Bribie Island) is a buffer for part of Caloundra.
“So I’ve spoken with the mayor and the local member and the environment minister has been speaking with the CEO of the council about what that looks like.”
He said emergency services, health services, and critical infrastructure providers of water, power, sewage and communications have been engaged and would help where possible around the south-east.
More information via disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
