Tropical Cyclone Alfred has slowed in its progress towards the coastline, but remains at Category 2, with sustained winds to 95km/h and gusts to 130km/h.
New advice from the Bureau of Meteorology says it is expected to cause flooding in low lying coastal areas and a flood warning is current for the Mary and Noosa Rivers and tributaries and creeks.
A Severe Weather Warning is current for parts of Wide Bay Burnett, with heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging, locally destructive winds.”
That applies to an area from the Cooloola Coast to Gympie and Noosa and to the south from there.
Alfred is now moving towards the coast at 10 km/h, down from its previous 14km/h.
In Gympie region and nearby, it is expected to cause abnormally high tides, with some coastal flooding in low lying areas, especially south of Double Island Point.
Rainfall totals between 200 and 250 mm and 24-hour totals between 350 and 450 mm are possible, depending on the movement and position of the system.
Elevated areas may experience destructive wind gusts to 155km/h.
A Coastal Hazard Warning and Hazardous Surf Warning is current.
A Flood Watch and Flood Warning are current for South East Queensland.
The cyclone is now estimated to be 245km east of Brisbane.
The bureau says it has been “oscillating offshore of the southeast Queensland coast.”
Advice at 11am was that it is currently at Category 2 and expected to maintain that intensity until the centre starts to interact with the coast and islands.
The centre of Alfred is now expected to cross the coast very early Saturday morning, “most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta.”
The cyclone advice comes with a warning of gales with damaging wind gusts to 120km/h near the coast between Cape Moreton and Cape Byron.
Damaging gusts are expected to develop along the remaining southeast Queensland coastline, including on islands.
“These damaging winds are forecast to persist during Friday before easing during Saturday.
“Destructive wind gusts up to 155km/h may develop about coastal and island locations near, and to the south of, the cyclone centre, as Alfred’s destructive core approaches the coast.
“A dangerous storm tide is likely along the coastal foreshore for exposed areas south of Cape Moreton.
“Tides are expected to rise significantly above the highest tide mark, with damaging waves and dangrous inundation of coastal low lying areas.”
Flooding is especially likely in low lying coastal areas during with damaging surf leading to more significant beach erosion in exposed areas.
“Heavy rainfall may develop from tonight, (including in the upper Mary River catchment).”
“For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Get Ready Queensland website (www.getready.qld.gov.au).”
For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).
High tides and large waves are expected to increase the flood risk and impacts in low lying coastal areas.
Rapid river level rises and flash flooding are expected across many creeks, associated with the heaviest rainfall. Widespread minor to major riverine flooding is possible. Areas at risk will continue to be revised during the coming days.”
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
