Residents threatened by Tropical Cyclone Alfred now have extra time to prepare, with the Category 2 system expected to cross the Australian coast from Friday afternoon.
The centre of the cyclone is expected to hit between Maroochydore and Coolangatta, but wild weather has already smashed the coast from Coolangatta down to Ballina in NSW.
Up to 4600 properties on the Sunshine Coast may be affected but the system is now expected to hit land later than expected and potentially on a lower tide.
Schools and public transport have shut down across the southeast, and many shops, major roads and Gold Coast airport are closed, with elective surgeries also put on hold but emergency departments open.
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.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall about 4pm on Friday after slowing down, with the system located about 300km east of the Gold Coast early on Friday morning.
Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to stay with family and friends or head to evacuation centres, while others should stay home as millions brace for the first cyclone to hit the state’s southeast since 1974.
“When events like this happen, people realise truly what’s important in life – you are what’s important in life,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.
“Of course you should do all the preparation to protect your property … but humans are worth more than any material possession.”
The federal government has activated Australian Defence Force assistance and local council disaster grants.
NSW Premier Chris Minns urged Northern Rivers residents to prepare, just three years after flooding devastated the region, saying Thursday was the “day to act” and to avoid floodwaters.
