Cyclone Alfred Weakens, Leaving Southeast Queensland on Alert for Flooding

The downgraded tropical low has caused widespread power outages and damage, with authorities warning of ongoing risks from heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

Cyclone Alfred, the first to hit southeast Queensland in over 50 years, weakened to a tropical low early Saturday morning after making landfall on Moreton Island as a Category 1 storm.
More than 280,000 homes and businesses across Queensland and New South Wales remain without power, with significant damage reported, including downed trees, powerlines, and a roof blown off a Gold Coast apartment block.
Authorities have issued flood warnings for areas from the Sunshine Coast to northern New South Wales, with up to 800 millimeters of rain predicted in the next 48 hours, posing risks of flash flooding and river overflows.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local officials have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid travel, and stay indoors as emergency crews work to assess damage and restore services.
Despite the storm weakening, heavy rainfall, dangerous winds, and high tides continue to threaten impacted communities, with schools and airports in the region temporarily closed.