TC Alfred: Key questions answered, including where it is expected to hit and when

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is on a collision course with South East Queensland. But where will it hit? And when? Here, we have the answers to the key questions.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is on a collision course with the South East Queensland coast, with millions of residents expected to be impacted.

But when and where will it hit? What’s going to happen? Here’s what we know right now

When will it make landfall?

Based on the Bureau of Meteorology’s tracking map, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday.

The Bureau's tracking map as of 4pm Tuesday.

Where is it now?

At 4pm Tuesday Alfred was a category 2 sitting about 600km east of Brisbane and 570km east of the Gold Coast, tracking southwest at 20kmh.

Where will it make landfall?

Landfall is forecast to be somewhere between the NSW border and Noosa. Current forecasts show the system tracking over Bribie Island when it makes landfall.

What category will it be when it makes landfall?

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall as a category 2 storm.

What can we expect when it makes landfall?

Category 2 cyclones can deliver wind gusts up to 120kmh – strong enough to bring down trees. Three-day rainfall totals are likely to exceed 400mm.

How long could it last once it makes landfall?

Upon crossing the coastline, cyclones inevitably weaken over time as they lose the warm water which is the fuel for their fury. But that can take a day or longer – and it promises to be a wild spell of weather for whichever part of the coastline cops a direct hit.

What caused it to turn towards the Queensland coast?

Steering winds. Alfred was tracking south-southeast but by 4pm Tuesday had turned to track westward towards the coast due to winds in the atmosphere.

When can we expect to feel its impacts?

We already are. Dangerous surf and swell conditions are impacting the South East Queensland coast with coastal erosion in some areas. Coastal hazard and hazardous surf warnings are active.

Will schools close?

Premier David Crisafulli said on Tuesday afternoon that public schools would be open Wednesday.

Mr Crisafulli earlier said there was a “very strong” likelihood of schools closing at some stage. Updates will be provided every afternoon.

The State Government makes the decision for public schools. Parents of students at independent and Catholic schools should check with their school.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

What services/bridges are impacted?

All Brisbane City Council’s CityCat and ferry services were suspended on Monday night.

Premier David Crisafulli said on Tuesday that passenger ferry services to island communities would stop Tuesday and evacuations were currently occurring.

Brisbane council buses will stop Wednesday night.

The two Gateway bridges would close to all traffic once wind speeds hit 90kmh, Transport Minister Brent Mickelburg’s office confirmed.

Brisbane City Council announced all council bridges would close when the wind reaches 90kmh. That included the green bridges at Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek and the Go Between Bridge and Story Bridge.

Queensland Rail also said the trigger to suspend passenger train services in southeast Queensland was wind speeds of 90kmh, or when a cyclone was closer than 200km away or 10 hours from making landfall.

Brisbane’s rubbish collection will be restricted to red bin only on Wednesday and suspended entirely from Thursday until further notice.

Other Brisbane City Council services, including libraries, pools and community halls will be closed from Thursday. The Council Contact Centre will remain open 24 hours a day.

Logan City Council has advised residents bin collection will be cancelled on Thursday and Friday. Gold Coast City will also suspend bin collection services on Thursday and Friday.

Ipswich City Council advises residents to secure bins in a sheltered location. Skip hire, large item kerbside collection bookings, bin repair and bin replacements are suspended at close of business Wednesday.

Queensland Courts have not indicated any possible closures of the courthouses but said it is actively monitoring the movement of tropical cyclone Alfred and its impacts to court operations over the coming days.

Village Roadshow will close its Gold Coast theme parks from Wednesday until Friday.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred's predicted path as of 6.30am Tuesday. Picture: Windy

What happens if my trampoline blows away and damages my neighbour’s house?

In most cases, you are unlikely to be held responsible as a cyclone is considered an Act of God. However, the situation could change if there was negligence involved.

How should I prepare?

Residents are being advised to prepare for the possibility of up to three days without power. You can find the latest advice on how to prepare your house and stay safe here.

Originally published as TC Alfred: Key questions answered, including where it is expected to hit and when