The tropical cyclone is now expected to make landfall early on Saturday, after its movement toward the coast significantly slowed. On Thursday, Alfred was located 240 km east of Brisbane, moving west at just 7 km/h, with sustained winds near the center reaching 95 km/h and gusts up to 130 km/h.
Forecaster Thomas Hinterdorfer from Higgins Storm Chasing warned that the storm’s reduced speed was the "worst-case scenario," as it would prolong the period of intense rainfall along the coast.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged residents to remain cautious, stating that while the cyclone “has slowed up somewhat... that is not all good news.”
Authorities are searching for a missing jetskier off the northern New South Wales coast, as rough seas pose life-threatening risks.
Strong winds have already caused power outages affecting thousands of homes, while Brisbane Airport has been shut down, suspending hundreds of flights. Supermarkets have seen essentials stripped from shelves, and hospitals are limiting procedures to emergencies.
Deadly Bacterial Disease Surges in Queensland After Flooding
Cases of the deadly bacterial infection melioidosis have surged in north Queensland following severe flooding, with 119 infections reported—more than triple the cases recorded during the same period in 2024. So far, 16 people have died.
Of the confirmed cases, 106 were detected in Cairns and Townsville. The disease, caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, thrives in tropical regions and is often triggered by environmental disruptions such as flooding.
The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, inhalation, or contaminated water.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Warner of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine described melioidosis as an “opportunistic infection” primarily affecting individuals with underlying health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases susceptibility.
The disease, often mistaken for severe respiratory infections, can rapidly develop into pneumonia and sepsis.
“Even when people present in well-resourced hospitals, the disease can be fatal,” Warner told The Guardian.
With Cyclone Alfred approaching, experts warn that further infections could arise, although the primary health risks from flooding are expected to be mosquito-borne illnesses, fungal infections, and waterborne diseases.
Authorities have advised residents to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with floodwaters.
Widespread Flooding Feared as Cyclone Alfred Nears
Matt Collopy, Bureau of Meteorology manager, stated that Cyclone Alfred is expected to maintain its current wind strength before making landfall. However, the primary concern remains the widespread flooding expected across the region.
Forecast models suggest that up to 20,000 homes in Brisbane, a city largely built on a river floodplain, could experience some level of flooding.
Prime Minister Albanese said 660 schools in southern Queensland and 280 schools in northern New South Wales were closed on Thursday as conditions deteriorated.
The federal government has delivered 310,000 sandbags to Brisbane, with more en route, he said.
"My message to people, whether they be in southeast Queensland or northern New South Wales, is we are there to support you. We have your back," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
Brisbane Airport Suspends Operations as Cyclone Approaches
Brisbane Airport has suspended operations as the country prepares for Cyclone Alfred’s impact, keeping terminals open only for defense operations.
Qantas Airways announced that its international flights from Brisbane would be halted until at least noon on Saturday, while domestic flights are suspended until Sunday morning.
More than 1,000 schools in southeast Queensland and 250 in northern New South Wales were closed on Thursday, while public transport in Brisbane has been suspended.
Over 5,000 properties in southeast Queensland and thousands more in northern New South Wales remain without power, with officials warning of further outages as wind speeds increase.
Authorities Warn of Severe Flooding and Storm Surges
Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy urged communities in cyclone-affected regions to prepare for severe flooding and storm surges as Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland’s coast.
“This is significant rainfall. It won’t only cause flash flooding in areas that are most impacted but prolonged riverine flooding, and it’s important we are preparing now for this potential rainfall,” Chelepy said in a live update.
With already saturated waterways, he warned that rivers and creeks could rise rapidly under heavy rainfall.
Emergency services, he assured, are fully mobilized and ready to respond. However, he urged residents to take immediate precautions, such as sandbagging properties, elevating furniture in low-lying homes, and storing important documents in waterproof containers.
Chelepy also cautioned against driving through floodwaters.
“This risky behavior puts yourself, your family, but also our emergency service workers at severe risk when we have to come and rescue you,” he said.
Authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant as Cyclone Alfred brings dangerous weather conditions in the coming days.
Brisbane Faces Sandbag Shortages as Residents Prepare for Flooding
The federal government has delivered 310,000 sandbags to Brisbane, with more supplies on the way, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed.
However, a shortage of sandbags in the city—home to more than three million people—has led some residents to use alternative methods.
Damien Effeney, CEO of a rural supplies business, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that some people were purchasing sacks of potting mix instead.
"I think between availability and the time that people have to queue to get sandbags, they're just making the easier choice and grabbing potting mix," he said, noting that one customer bought 30 bags from his store in Samford, northwest of Brisbane.
Several sandbag collection points in Brisbane have run out of supplies, while others have seen long queues as residents rush to prepare.
A beach volleyball business reported that some of its sand had been stolen to fill bags.