Brisbane, Australia – Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales remain on high alert for flash flooding and damaging winds as the region grapples with the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As of Sunday, over 330,000 properties were still without power.
The downgraded cyclone, which made landfall just north of Brisbane overnight as a tropical low, continues to pose a significant threat. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings of potential rainfall up to 700mm and destructive wind gusts expected to impact the region through Monday.
Evacuations and Rescue Operations
The severe conditions have prompted evacuations in several areas. In Hervey Bay, a public safety declaration is in effect, granting police additional powers to conduct emergency operations. Authorities have reported multiple rescues, including nine from houses and seven from vehicles. An emergency alert remains active for the Fraser Coast region.
Tragic Fatality
Tragically, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Sunday the death of a 61-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters near Dorrigo, NSW, on Friday. His body was recovered late on Saturday. The man's utility vehicle was carried away by floodwaters at Megan, approximately 25km north of Dorrigo.
Military Vehicle Accident
Adding to the challenges, a road accident occurred on Saturday evening involving two military trucks assisting in road-clearing operations near Lismore. Both trucks, each carrying 16 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, were involved in the incident. The first truck rolled over, and the second truck, attempting to avoid the first, also rolled.
Of the 32 Brisbane-based ADF soldiers involved, 13 sustained injuries, with six reported to be serious.
"Everyone at the scene did their best to look after their mates, and I am hugely grateful to emergency services and healthcare workers for the first aid and ongoing care," Prime Minister Albanese stated. "These men and women are heroes who were on their way to help people in need. They were doing this at a time when some of their own families were bearing the brunt of Alfred. We will never take for granted the enormous sacrifice our soldiers make for us."
Transportation Disruptions
Air traffic over southeast Queensland and northern NSW is gradually resuming. Brisbane and Gold Coast airports have begun to host a limited number of passenger services, but significant disruptions persist.
Power Outages and Ongoing Threats
As of Sunday, approximately 315,000 properties in southeast Queensland and 16,000 in NSW remain without power. The BOM continues to warn of swollen rivers and the risk of flash flooding, with further rainfall expected.
BOM meteorologist Sue Oates stated on Sunday afternoon that the impact of ex-TC Alfred had been "reduced to one hazard – and that's the rainfall." Isolated rainfall totals of up to 400mm are forecast, with a trough from central Australia drawing the low-pressure system inland over northern NSW.
Her colleague, Dean Narramore, provided a longer-term outlook: "By Wednesday, the weather system will finally shift all this wet weather to coastal parts of NSW and clearing mid to late week, while southeast Queensland should start to see conditions easing from persistent rainfall on Monday."
Flash Flooding Impacts
Flash flooding has been reported in parts of Brisbane, with suburban creeks overflowing after a night of heavy wind and rain. Enoggera Creek in northern Brisbane overflowed on Sunday morning, inundating bridges and walkways. Toowoomba experienced winds of nearly 100km/h on Saturday night.
River Flood Warnings
Major flood warnings remain in place for the Bremer and Logan rivers, and Warrill Creek. In northern NSW, river levels in Lismore's central business district (CBD), which peaked at 9.31m on Saturday afternoon, below the height of the levee, are slowly receding. Emergency warnings in Lismore have been downgraded from "evacuate" to "return with caution."
Major flood warnings also continue for the Richmond, Clarence, and Orara rivers. Other rivers in the region have been downgraded to moderate or minor flood warnings.
Lismore's deputy mayor, Jeri Hall, reported that approximately 600 people have sought shelter in evacuation centers. Some residents have been without power and water for as long as 72 hours.
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