One person was confirmed dead while several were injured as heavy rain and strong winds battered many parts of Australia following the Cyclone Alfred
GUWAHATI, March 8: Although Cyclone Alfredo, a tropical cyclone that formed over the Coral Sea on February 22, 2025, approximately 1,300 kilometers north of Brisbane, Australia, has now downgraded to a tropical low system, its impact still remained severe with thousands of people without power across Queensland and New South Wales as heavy rain and strong winds battered many parts of the region.
One person was confirmed dead while several were injured.
Although power has been restored to around 17,000 properties in northern New South Wales, approximately 36,000 homes and businesses still remain without power, The Guardian reported.
Meanwhile, 36 people were injured in a crash involving two Australian Defence Force (ADF) vehicles, NSW Ambulance said.
Nine News has reported that two ADF vehicles were travelling down Tregeagle Road when one of them rolled and the other also crashed.
The cyclone touched Moreton Bay islands in the early hours of Saturday after it was downgraded to a category 1 and then to a tropical low storm.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology, meanwhile, has released a map showing the widespread flooding across southeast Queensland and northern NSW. Heavy rainfall affected areas from Brisbane to Port Macquarie, highlighting the extensive impact of the severe weather event.
FAQs
What is Cyclone Alfred?
Cyclone Alfred is a tropical cyclone that formed over the Coral Sea on February 22, 2025, approximately 1,300 kilometers north of Brisbane, Australia. Initially, it tracked south and southeast, intensifying over several days while remaining offshore. However, on March 4, Alfred made an unexpected turn westward toward the Australian mainland, influenced by a high-pressure ridge to the south.
What’s the present state of Cyclone Alfred?
As of March 8, 2025, Alfred has weakened into a tropical low-pressure system but continues to pose significant threats, including severe winds and heavy rainfall, leading to dangerous conditions such as flash flooding. The cyclone’s impact has been substantial across southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales
What has been the impact of Cyclone Alfred?
Power Outages: Approximately 300,000 homes in Queensland are without power due to the storm’s destructive winds.
Evacuations and Casualties: Thousands have been evacuated from affected areas. Authorities have confirmed one fatality—a 61-year-old man in New South Wales—due to the severe weather conditions.
Infrastructure Damage: Fallen trees have damaged power lines, homes, and vehicles. Beaches along the Gold Coast have experienced significant erosion, transforming into steep sandy cliffs after days of relentless wave action.
What are the warnings issued for Cyclone Alfred?
As of March 8, 2025, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened into a tropical low-pressure system. Despite this downgrade, authorities have issued several warnings due to ongoing severe weather conditions:
Flood Warnings: Intense rainfall continues to affect regions in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, leading to minor to major flood warnings. Rivers are rising rapidly, and communities are advised to stay alert for potential flash flooding.
Evacuation Orders: In northern New South Wales, approximately 20,000 residents are under evacuation orders due to heavy rain and flooding.
Power Outages: Approximately 295,000 properties in southeast Queensland and another 42,600 in New South Wales are without power. Utility companies warn that ongoing floods could hamper repair efforts.
Severe Weather Alerts: The Bureau of Meteorology warns that intense rain and damaging wind gusts remain risks throughout the weekend, even as the system weakens.
Any general alert issued to residents following Cyclone Alfred?
Residents in affected areas have been told to monitor updates from local authorities and adhere to safety advisories.
