Massive 7m wave off Straddie as islands brace for Cyclone Alfred

Premier David Crisafulli and the Redland acting mayor have reiterated calls about preparing for Cyclone Alfred after a massive seven-metre wave was recorded off North Stradbroke.

Huge surf off Straddie coast on Tuesday. Picture: Contributed

A massive seven-metre wave recorded overnight off North Stradbroke Island has sent a stark warning to coastal communities as Queensland braces for severe weather conditions.

Premier David Crisafulli said the wave, measured by an offshore buoy, showed the growing intensity of the storm system expected to impact South East Queensland this week.

Mr Crisafulli and Redland acting mayor Julie Talty urged residents, particularly those in the city’s vulnerable coastal and island communities, to remain alert as the cyclone gathered strength.

Mr Crisafulli also highlighted the need for councils to assess the risk of storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas.

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The seven-metre wave recorded off North Stradbroke sparked concerns over marine safety and potential impacts on island communities with sandbags being handed out at seven locations across Redland city.

“We recorded a wave of over seven meters overnight off North Stradbroke, which shows you the intensity of the event,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This is a serious system, and we are seeing the first real indicators of what’s to come.”

“I’ve asked councils to run their modelling, especially if the system crosses on a high tide.

“That will determine potential inundation levels and help ensure people have the information they need to make decisions.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that the storm has intensified into a Category 2 cyclone, with projected landfall sometime between Thursday and Friday.

While the precise impact zone remains uncertain, the weather system is expected to cross the coast between Noosa and the Queensland–New South Wales border.

Authorities warn that dangerous sea conditions, storm surges, and significant coastal erosion will be key threats.

Maritime authorities have advised vessels to avoid open waters, with large swells and powerful winds already creating treacherous conditions.

Ferry services to and from the six bay islands will be suspended as of tonight.

Sandbags in Redland are available at seven locations but supplies have dwindled.

Redland acting mayor Julie Talty said barges and ferries have already been affected but would run as long as possible.

Speaking in the absence of mayor Jos Mitchell, who has taken extended leave, Cr Talty said frail aged care residents from North Stradbroke Island were evacuated yesterday to St Vincent’s Hospital in Brisbane.

She said island residents with complex medical needed to make arrangements to leave the islands and stay with friends on the mainland.

Acting Redland mayor Julie Talty.

“The island will likely be cut off and there is also the possibility that the power will be cut off,” Cr Talty said.

“We hope that the ferries may be able to operate tomorrow but it’s a moving feast and we can’t say for certain. The best thing people can do is check the ferry website.

“Be prepared and have medications on hand and have bottled water available and keep in touch with friends.

“We have a very good disaster management arrangement for the islands and there are a lot of services available led by the premier who sent health staff to Stradbroke Island yesterday.

“We also have a network on the southern bay islands of Community Champions and volunteers through the rural fire brigade and SES who will be out helping people to prepare today.”

Redland sandbag supplies are dwindling.

Cr Talty said Redland, “like everywhere else”, had seen an unprecedented demand for sandbags and urged those whose properties did not normally flood to leave the sandbags for those who needed them.

“We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best – we don’t know what will happen and if your home is not normally in danger of flooding then you don’t need sandbags,” she said.

“People also need to learn about how to use sandbags and use plastic membranes and the most important thing is to clean your gutters.

“Last year we had 800 call outs for SES from water inundation and 70 per cent of those calls was from blocked gutters.”

The Bureau of Meteorology and Queensland Disaster Management continue to provide updates, urging residents to stay informed via official sources. The seven-metre wave off North Stradbroke is just the beginning of what could be a dangerous few days ahead.