Western Downs Residents are asked to stay alert regarding Tropical Cyclone Alfred which is expected to make landfall on late Thursday and forecast to travel past the region, with meteorologists warning heavy rain and winds may cause damage.
TC Alfred headed due west toward the Queensland and New South Wales coast earlier this week, bringing sustained winds of 95 kilometres an hour and gusts of up to 130 km/h.
As it impacts Australia on Thursday, areas as far north as K’gari and as far south as Grafton are projected to be in the firing line due to flooding and wind damage.
However, Alfred’s movements inland following its first impact on the coast are still unconfirmed as of writing, with models by the Bureau of Meteorology stating the cyclone may travel through the Western Downs and Darling Downs regions.
Western Downs Regional Council is encouraging residents to prepare now for heavy rainfall and strong winds predicted for later in the week as Tropical Cyclone Alfred makes its way towards the southeast Queensland coast.
Should the predictions come to pass, TC Alfred’s impacts will still be felt across the Darling Downs region with the Bureau predicting heavy rain and destructive winds, with possible flooding.
“Heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding may occur near and south of the cyclone centre,” the Bureau stated on Tuesday.
“Damaging wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h are possible depending on the movement and development of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
To learn about cyclones, visit getready.qld.gov.au/getting-ready/understand-your-risk/types-disasters/cyclone-and-storm-surge
To find out how to pack an emergency kit, visit getready.qld.gov.au/emergencykit
You can find the Western Downs council’s Disaster Dashboard on disaster.wdrc.qld.gov.au/
