Alfred has eyes on South East
TROPICAL Cyclone Alfred is set to bring gale-force wind gusts to the Sunshine Coast and hinterland from Tuesday (February 4), with authorities warning of falling trees and downed powerlines as the system approached.
The Sunshine Coast Council urged residents to report fallen trees and powerlines while maintaining a safe distance.
Residents were also asked to report trees blocking council roads or parks by calling 5475 7272, using the SCC App, or lodging a report online.
Trees on major roads, including the Bruce Highway and Nicklin Way, should be reported to the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 19 40.
Energex advised anyone encountering fallen powerlines to stay well clear and call 13 19 62 immediately.
Residents would also subscribe to power outage alerts via Energex.com.au.
Council also announced the temporary closures of its Environmental Visitor Centres, including Mary Cairncross.
Sugar Bag Recreation Park’s mountain bike trails will also close from Monday until further notice due to expected extreme weather conditions.
Cyclone Alfred was forecast to turn southeast Monday night (after GC&M News went to print).
However, both the BOM and Higgins Storm Chasing predicted a westward shift by Tuesday, bringing the system back towards the southern Queensland coast.
Projections indicated Alfred may regain Category 2 strength before making landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, with potential impact zones stretching from southeast Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Damaging winds between 60 and 90km/h were expected along the coast, with gusts of up to 110km/h, increasing to 120-140km/h near the cyclone’s centre.
Heavy rainfall and waves up to eight metres were also anticipated.
In an emergency, people should call Triple Zero.
For storm and flood assistance, the SES can be reached on 13 25 00, while power outages should be reported to Energex at 13 62 62.