Cyclone Alfred Prompts Evacuations and Closures in Queensland and Northern NSW
The Category 2 cyclone is forecast to bring destructive winds, major flooding, and life-threatening flash floods as it approaches landfall early Friday.
- Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall between Queensland's Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast in the early hours of Friday, bringing winds up to 120km/h and intense rainfall.
- Evacuation centers have been set up in both Queensland and Northern NSW, with authorities urging vulnerable residents to relocate ahead of the storm's arrival.
- More than 100 schools in Northern NSW and several in Queensland have been closed, with additional closures expected as the cyclone's path becomes clearer.
- Sporting events, concerts, and community activities in the affected regions have been postponed or canceled, and businesses are preparing for potential disruptions.
- The Australian Defence Force is on standby, with over 300,000 sandbags distributed to help mitigate damage, and emergency services are warning residents to take precautions immediately.
SBS News 
The Guardian 
Brisbane Times 
9News 
The Sydney Morning Herald 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
ESPN 
The Age 