What’s happening?
Redland City Council has issued an urgent warning for residents along coastal areas and island communities to prepare now as Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cause a localised storm surge.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that from Thursday, 5 March 2025, sea levels could rise significantly, posing a direct threat to life and property. Emergency services are urging people to take immediate precautions and stay informed.
Why it matters?
Storm surges are among the deadliest and most destructive effects of tropical cyclones.
They can cause severe flooding, damage buildings, wash away roads and vehicles, and disrupt essential services such as power, water, and communication. Residents must act swiftly to safeguard their homes and families.
In life-threatening situations, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately, and for emergency flood and storm assistance, contact the Queensland SES at 132 500 or via the SES Assistance QLD App.
Local Impact
- Roads could be blocked by fallen trees, powerlines, or floodwaters, making travel difficult and isolating communities.
- Power, water, phone, and sewerage services could be disrupted.
- Waves and sea water may travel far inland, causing extensive flooding in low-lying areas, coastal creeks, and rivers.
- Residents are advised to prepare sandbags, secure important belongings, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
By the Numbers
- The Bureau of Meteorology warns that the forecast scenario suggests water levels could rise up to 0.5m above the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) across open beaches.
- The worst-case scenario indicates water levels exceeding HAT by 0.5 to 0.7m for open beaches.
- Sandbagging stations are open across the mainland and islands, with a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.
Zoom In
Residents should take immediate action to protect their homes and families:
- Prepare your home: Store chemicals and poisons up high, lift valuables off the ground, and use sandbags to block toilets, sinks, and drains to prevent sewerage backflow.
- Charge devices: Ensure mobile phones and electronic devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
- Plan your evacuation: If floodwaters approach, residents should leave early to avoid being trapped. Bring essential items such as clothes, food, water, medicine, baby supplies, pet food, important documents, and cash.
- Tourists and campers should leave now if they do not need to be in the affected area. Campers and caravanners should start packing up immediately.
Zoom Out
Tropical cyclones and storm surges are a recurring threat to coastal Queensland communities. Authorities urge residents to stay informed through official channels such as:
- The Redland City Council disaster dashboard (disaster.redland.qld.gov.au), which offers real-time updates and emergency messaging services.
- Local radio stations Bay FM 100.3 and 612 ABC AM.
- The Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au/qld/) for the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
- The Queensland Traffic website (qldtraffic.qld.gov.au) for road closures and travel disruptions.
What to Look for Next?
- Continued updates on the storm surge and Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s progress from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- More information on sandbagging stations, storage, and disposal at redlandsdisasterplan.com.au.
- Reports on power outages and service disruptions via Energex (energex.com.au).
- Any new evacuation orders or emergency responses from Redland City Council and emergency services.
Residents must act now to secure their homes, stay alert to official warnings, and help their neighbours where possible. Storm surges can be deadly—preparation and early action can save lives.
