THE BUREAU of Meteorology is now expecting Tropical Cyclone Alfred to cross the Queensland coast between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast sometime from tomorrow onwards.
Under Harbour Master’s orders yesterday all commercial shipping was directed to evacuate the Port of Brisbane by this morning and vessels are now steaming up and down the coast, mostly north of the port. Earlier the port was closed to all inbound traffic, inner and outer anchorages were closed and a number of conditions imposed on those at berth until at least Wednesday; subsequently superseded by the evacuation direction.
Maritime Safety Queensland tables indicate at least 12 vessels departed yesterday and this morning, though it is not clear how many are continuing voyages.
The Cunard liner Queen Anne, on its inaugural round-the-world cruise, has cancelled its visit.
At 10 am AEST today [3 March] Alfred was rated a Category 1 with central pressure 982 hPa and was located over the Coral Sea near latitude 25.8 south longitude 157.3 east, which is about 465 km east northeast of Brisbane and 430 km east northeast of Maroochydore. It was moving southeast at about 20 kmh, but tomorrow is expected to change direction to south-westerly and increase in strength to Category 2.
The BOM this morning warned of severe coastal hazards, including abnormally high tides and hazardous surf are expected to continue over southern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales coasts, deteriorating further as Alfred begins to move towards the coast from Tuesday onwards. A large and powerful to potentially damaging easterly swell is occurring about exposed southern Queensland beaches, and is forecast to extend to northern New South Wales coast today.
Gales with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS (BOM emphasis) to 120 kilometres per hour are expected to develop along the southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales coastal and island communities between Tewantin and Grafton during Wednesday. Gales may extend north to Sandy Cape from late Wednesday onwards.
Heavy rainfall is forecast for southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales from Wednesday as Alfred approaches the coast. HEAVY to locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING near and south of the system centre as Alfred approaches and crosses the coast late on Thursday. Flood Watches have been issued for these areas.
