As southeast Queensland coastal communities brace themselves for Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impact, Burnett residents are asked to be ‘on alert’.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the Tropical Cyclone Alfred has a moderate likelihood of crossing over the South Burnett and Cherbourg regions on Saturday, 8 March.
However, it is forecast to remain south of the North Burnett region.
WHEN TC ALFRED IS EXPECTED
Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore explained in a report on Thursday morning, 6 March, that Tropical Cyclone Alfred stalled off the Queensland coast last night.
“The high pressure system steering Alfred towards the coast actually weakened overnight, allowing Tropical Cyclone Alfred to stall and remain well off shore,” he said.
This high pressure system has regained strength early Thursday morning, and the cyclone has resumed getting closer towards the south-east Queensland coast.
The category 2 cyclone, initially predicted to reach the land early Friday, is now expected to impact the area between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast later on Friday, into the early hours of Saturday.
Mr Narramore said damaging and destructive winds are expected and widespread rainfall, which may lead to flooding.
The Bureau have reported that the category 2 tropical cyclone is expected to have sustained winds near the centre of 95 kilometres per hour, with wind gusts up to 130 kilometres per hour. Meteorologists expect the cyclone to be downgraded to a category 1 by Saturday.
According to the Bureau’s seven day forecast map, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to impact the South Burnett region from Saturday morning, and continue throughout the day. The forecast suggests a very low chance of the cyclone still present in the region by Sunday morning.
HEALTH PRECAUTION REMINDERS
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, Darling Downs Health has released a list of advice for residents to take precautions to safeguard their health and wellbeing.
Now is the time for residents to:
– Ensure prescriptions for essential medications are up-to-date.
– Prepare an emergency kit with all medical and health supplies required to last at least seven days. This may include first-aid items, essential medication, prescriptions, hand sanitiser, infant supplies, sanitary products, thermometer, batteries and chargers for medical devices, and face masks.
– Plan for potential power outages by ensuring medical devices are charged, and batteries are available to maintain power.
– If medication requires refrigeration, identify alternative storage methods are available such as cold bags.
SOUTH BURNETT ON ‘ALERT’
The South Burnett Local Disaster Management Group has moved ‘to alert’ in response to the cyclone.
Although the South Burnett region should not see the full severity of the cyclone, the disaster management group is asking the community to remain calm, but be prepared.
“We are urging residents to be prepared by putting their emergency kits together if they have not already done so. Please visit the Get Ready Queensland website for more information on what to pack in your kit,” Chair of the LDMG, Cr Danita Potter said.
Residents should ensure yards are tidy and loose objects are tied down.
Sandbags are available from the SES buildings at:
– Glendon St, Kingaroy
– Grey St, Nanango
– McCord St, Wondai.
Contact SES via 132 500 to check they are open.
All South Burnett schools at this stage are remaining open for Thursday and Friday.
NORTH BURNETT: WEATHER CAUTION
Meanwhile, the North Burnett Local Disaster Management Group continues to monitor the progress of the cyclone.
The council reported that forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the cyclone is expected to remain south of the North Burnett region.
As the weather system moves inland, the region may experience increased winds and scattered showers from Friday into the weekend, with a chance of thunderstorms.
TOOWOOMBA: TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Meanwhile, the Toowoomba Region Mayor and Chair of the Toowoomba Local Disaster Management Group Geoff McDonald has reminded residents that the safest place to be will be in their homes on Friday and over the weekend.
Even though Toowoomba is not expected to have the same severe impacts as Brisbane and coastal areas, Mayor McDonald reminds residents to take precautions.
“Residents should take precautions such as driving to conditions on our roads, preparing your home for storm-type impacts and having an emergency plan if you live in a location across our region which floods or becomes isolated from flooding should that potentially occur later this week and across the weekend,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Today is the day to clear loose items and debris from your yard, clean out your gutters, fill your car with fuel, collect sandbags (if needed), have an emergency kit, charge your mobile phone and other devices and think about battery supplies.”
Most schools in the Toowoomba region will be closed on Thursday and Friday, however at this stage Yarraman State School will be open as usual for the remainder of the week.
