How weather, Cyclone Alfred will affect Sunshine Coast, Noosa residents
Surfers are taking advantage of swell and businesses are buzzing on the Sunshine Coast as TC Alfred is downgraded while heavy rain is still forecast and flooding possible.
Sunshine Coast
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A sigh of relief can be felt across the Sunshine Coast as residents make their way out of their homes to catch a glimpse at was once a category two cyclone.
Cafes across Caloundra were abuzz with customers on Saturday morning as the district woke to the news Tropical Cyclone Alfred was downgraded to a tropical low.
Areas predicted to be the worst affected such as Golden Beach were dampened with rain overnight however did not succumb to much of TC Alfred’s wrath.
Even local general duties police on patrols said there were no active jobs for their area as early as 8am.
Despite this, The Bureau of Meteorology warned heavy rainfall was expected to continue over South East Queensland and northeast New South Wales across the weekend, possibly into next week.
On the Sunshine Coast, up to 200mm of rain is forecast and flooding possible as the low continues to move towards the mainland.
Dog walkers and families tentatively made their way to beaches at Happy Valley, including Kawana Waters residents Kieran Szery, Remy Szery and Sophie Buckley.
Mr Szery said they decided to make the trek out to the Caloundra beach to inspect what had been predicted as a severe weather system, as well as seeing if the beaches were okay.
Sunshine Coast business owners described a “carnival” atmosphere and surfers continued to take in prime swell in areas such as Coolum Beach where people continued to buy coffees and check out the surf.
Yum Gelato and Juice Bar owner Trevor Johnson said the beachside suburb last week had a “carnival” atmosphere.
“The last few days have been so busy, never been busier,” he said.
“Thursday was our busiest Thursday in eight years out of holiday season, there was people everywhere.”
He said people may be a little more cautious on Saturday morning but “fingers crossed” the weather would not be too bad.
The Shop Coolum owner Gay Gibson said she and her partner had worked the past few days at the David Low Way shop because she did not want her staff to come into work if the weather had turned.
“We’re very happy, we’re booming,” she said.
“We sold out of eggs, finally, yesterday, we sold out of milk yesterday though we do have milk left for coffees.”
She said long-life milk was still available.
She said a little boy came running into the shop as she was packing up yesterday offering a hand.
“I’ve had customers asking if they could help,” Ms Gibson said.
Surfer of about five years Lauchlan Facy said the waves were great.
“It’s been fun, exciting, I’ve never really surfed in stuff like this before so it’s been interesting,” he said.
Mr Facy said it was “hectic” in the surf yesterday, March 7, with a lot of people in the water.
Surfers made the most of the swell on Friday, which slowed down slightly in the last few days.
Battery Hill man Brad Holmes caught a few waves from “Ann Street” beach nestled at Dicky Beach, along with several other surfers.
Residents came and went from the viewing deck to walk their dogs and inspect the coastline.
Mr Holmes said he was enjoying what was left of the surging current from about 2pm, after venturing up to Noosa earlier in the week.
To his surprise he was amazed the swell had “teetered” down even as the extreme weather system approached the South East Queensland coast.
Residents heeded warnings from the council to prepare for the worst with 200,000 sandbags filled across the Coast.
Diesel running low at some petrol stations and many others shutting ahead of the cyclone was also reported.
Police had pleaded with the public on Friday to stop putting first responders’ lives at risk by continuing to head out in the water, with boaties warned of massive fines for moving vessels along the coast.
At a press conference on Friday, Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Water Police, Sergeant Kyle Bates, revealed that nine people are currently living aboard yachts and houseboats in Mooloolaba, while 12 are in Noosa.
He added that they have been warned that assistance may not be available once the cyclone makes landfall.
“Some of those who live aboard have chosen to stay aboard,” Sergeant Bates said.
He noted that the regional harbour master had issued a red alert, with a directive that no vessels should move along the coast.
Those who breach this directive could face prosecution, with fines exceeding $32,000, or up to $100,000 for corporations.
“Unfortunately, we are still seeing jet skis being used in these conditions,” Sgt Bates said.
He referenced a jet ski rescue from Thursday, where three people became stranded in rough conditions, as well as the two teenage boys who needed rescuing while swimming at Sunshine Beach.
“It’s dangerous activity under the current conditions. They should heed the warning and there is a chance that they may not receive assistance,” Sgt Bates said.
“The lives of the lifeguards and volunteers as well as our police … they are putting their lives at risk in relation to their stupidity for doing a dangerous act.”
Sergeant Bates strongly urged the public to avoid “acts of stupidity” by refraining from swimming or surfing in the hazardous conditions.
On Thursday, with most businesses closed, crowds were swimming at the Mooloolaba Spit, surfing, jet skiing, and watching the swells.
Traffic was almost at a standstill as residents drove through Alexandra Headland to check out the surf, and others gathered at Point Cartwright.
On Friday, while everyone waited for Alfred to arrive, many took advantage of the extra time for some last-minute shopping.
Despite regular retail stores being closed, Sunshine Plaza remained busy, with shoppers picking up essentials from the grocery stores.
Coles was reportedly crowded, though there were no signs of panic buying.
“It’s just like a day off isn’t it,” one woman said.
“Like a long weekend really.”
Another woman said she had a generator at the ready and was prepared if things did take a turn for the worst.
“We’re not too worried,” she said.
Lifeguards issue warning
Peregian Beach lifeguards got out their loudspeaker to issue a stern warning to a person running out of the waves and along the sand on Thursday just before midday.
A voice can be heard over the speaker cautioning that swimming is at one’s own risk.
“The beach is closed,” the voice can be heard over the speaker.
“We do advise of the danger of the water, we do have lots of erosion and lots of objects in the water.
“It is quite dangerous.”
With most businesses shut, schools closed, and locals told not to go to work on Thursday – the beach is where most Sunshine Coast residents are spending their day.
Alexandra Headland was packed with dogs, children, surfers, swimmers, and locals watching the swells from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
No one seems particularly concerned as the cyclone path changed overnight.
Emergency crews’ warning
Sunshine Coast Superintendent Craig Hawkins told media on Thursday, March 6, that although it has slowed, locals still need to be prepared.
“Overnight we’ve seen it be slightly delayed … we’re now expecting it to arrive on the coastline sometime tomorrow or more likely towards Friday afternoon,” he said.
“Even though it is delayed, we still have to continue to prepare.
“The cyclone is currently tracking somewhat south of the Sunshine Coast despite that it has been unpredictable overnight it did a complete loop which was unexpected and it could still track to the Sunshine Coast.”
Mr Hawkins said he was impressed but how prepared locals were and that heavy rain, wind, and possible flooding was still to be expected.
“This is not a time to be out and about sightseeing,” he said.
“By sightseeing you place risk for yourselves but also impede on emergency services getting to others.
“From this evening I ask people to remain in their homes.”
Police officers at the Nambour Showground evacuation centre are assisting council and Red Cross.
One officer said it is a waiting game now, so police are helping residents and ensuring they have everything they need.
Sunshine Coast businesses prepare
Owner of Peregian Beach store Annie’s Books, Annie Grossman, said she never had water pass under her door in 17 years, but all surrounding stores have blocked their shops with sandbags.
“I’m certainly not ignoring it though so I’ll be closed tomorrow and I’ll be closing early today,” she said.
“My son in Melbourne was calling us all worried but I’m not that worried, everyone has prepared and is staying safe.”
She told a customer a “bottle of wine and a good book” will get you through a cyclone.
Preparations for Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued into Thursday morning, with many Noosa residents hitting up the sand depots.
Tewantin SES leader Mark King said there have been positive reactions from people getting involved and prepared.
Sandbagging continues
Mr King said people were responding sensibly without undue stress due to messaging from Noosa Shire Council and disaster management.
“Over the last few days it was really busy at the sand depots with sandbags provided by SES and council,” he said.
“Cyclone winds and rain can go for hours and hours and that can be harrowing if you’re not prepared for sitting through that.
“It is unlike the normal short storms. Fill car with petrol now.”
Sandbag depots busy on Wednesday
Sunshine Coast residents demonstrated community spirit at Caloundra’s sandbag collection points on Wednesday, including several members from Caloundra City Realty.
Agency member Patrick Nugent said he and his colleagues were assisting others prepare for the floods.
“We’re volunteering and doing our part to deliver sandbags to people who can’t get access to it.”
“Helping people move furniture inside.
“It’s all people are thinking about.”
Resident Avril Wilkes said she was also filling up sandbags to help out the “elderly and vulnerable”.
Pamela Rojas said she had been filling up sandbags in Caloundra all morning.
“Sunshine Coast is one of the best communities to be around, we’re stronger together,” she said.
Others were out and about at Kings Beach and Golden Beach, observing the wild surf before the worst of the cyclone arrives.
Rodger Thomson, 92, said he has lived in the Caloundra region since the 1970s and has seen such weather events once or twice.
“But this one will be a rough one,” he said.
“Batten down the hatches.”
James Robinson, a Redcliffe resident on holiday, said he would return home to prepare for the cyclone.
“We lived through the 1974 cyclone that hit us too,” Mr Robinson said.
“We want to make sure everything is tied down and safe and secure.”
Earlier on Wednesday
Sunshine Coast Council Local Disaster Management Group co-ordinator Bill Haddrill said storm tide mapping had been used in the storm surge modelling for at-risk homes on across the Sunshine Coast.
“Storm surge modelling shows almost 1600 properties could be affected if a possible storm surge reaches half a metre above Highest Astronomical Tide. Of those impacted properties, around 200 properties could potentially be impacted with inundation greater than 300mm,” Mr Haddrill said.
“If the storm surge gets to a metre above Highest Astronomical Tide, 4600 properties may be impacted, with around 670 properties potentially impacted with inundation greater than 300mm.”
Mr Haddrill said Golden Beach was lacking the protection it previously had from Bribie Island.
Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body spokeswoman Jen Kettleton-Butler has also warned that a storm surge paired with significant rainfall could mean the worst for low-lying areas of Caloundra.
Police are warning hundreds of Sunshine Coast residents who could be impacted by flooding, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues its journey towards the coastline.
Police said on Wednesday morning officers will door knock about 1600 home on the Sunshine Coast which have been identified as being at high risk of flooding, based of Sunshine Coast Council’s flood maps.
Supt Craig Hawkins said an extra 200 police were on hand to assist with the task in the suburbs set to be hit the worst by Cyclone Alfred.
Those suburbs included Golden Beach, Pelican Waters, Maroochydore, Coolum, Mooloolaba, Twin Waters, Minyama, and Bli Bli.
“If you are going to see water over your floor boards, consider going to a place of alternative safety,” Supt Hawkins said.
Maroochydore local of more than 50 years Beryl Mawhinney, 86, was one of the first residents visited by police recruits Wednesday morning.
She had lived at her current home for nearly 10 years.
Despite being flagged as high risk Ms Mawhinney wasn’t scared of the cyclone or flooding. She hadn’t bothered with sandbags but said she would move her plants and ornaments inside.
“People going past must have thought Beryl’s in trouble with the police,” she laughed.
“They said to ring triple-0 (if necessary) … they’ll take you into Nambour (if home flooded).
“I’ll be right … it doesn’t come in here … but then again it might.”
The latest tracking map by the Bureau of Meteorology shows Tropical Cyclone Alfred will likely hit the Queensland coast closer to Brisbane and the Gold Coast on late Thursday or early Friday.
Prepare for Cyclone Alfred
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli urged residents to prepare for the worst on March 4.
Ms Natoli urged residents to prepare for power outages, tie down wheelie bins or any other outdoor objects which could be picked up by the wind as a projectile, check the flood mapping on the council website, fuel up cars, ensure homes have enough food water and medication, to ensure emergency kits are prepared, and to line up for sandbags if needed.
In Maroochydore, Swan Boat Hire owner Matthew Planck said his team had taken measures to secure the boats over the past few days.
More than 40,000 sandbags had already been distributed to locals by early Tuesday afternoon.
The looming cyclone has already claimed a major event for the region.
“The Mooloolaba Triathlon is being rescheduled,” she said.
“The permits have been suspended and council officers are working with the organisers to find a suitable date to reschedule this event.
“We know this is incredibly disappointing for the participants, for the spectators, for our community more broadly.
“But of course the safety of our people here and all the participants who might seek to travel here is what is really important and so this difficult decision has been made because we need to keep everyone safe.
“We know that we are looking at destructive winds ahead and a storm surge. This will be combined with significant rainfall … this is going to be a significant event which will be impacting communities … this will be our whole region which needs to be taking this advice seriously.”
The Mooloolaba Triathlon released its own statement confirming the event scheduled for this weekend would not take place.
“The safety of athletes, supporters, the community, volunteers and staff are first and foremost when making the decision to not hold the event this weekend, including the safety of travel to and from the event,” a spokesman said.
“The team is working closely with all stakeholders to secure a new event date and will communicate directly with athletes with further updates as soon as possible.
“This news will be disappointing to many however ensuring the safety of all involved in the event, and the local community, is top priority.”
Sunshine Coast beaches closed
Beaches across the Sunshine Coast have already closed and are expected to remain shut for the coming days.
Organisers of the 2025 senior oztag state cup announced on Monday that the have decided to postpone the three day event.
Further north in Noosa’s glitter strip, preparations are being made along the iconic Hastings St for tidal surges and potential erosion of the world-famous main beach on Tuesday, March 4.
Sandra, a long time local, said she was not that concerned about the weather although she liked to see people preparing.
“Last time we had really heavy swell and storms the beach washed away yes, but that meant the water level was lower and hitting the rock wall below the boardwalk. I don’t think the surge or swell will go into Hastings St, that’s a bit much,” she said.
Leesa Gordon from Lamington shop said she was slightly concerned but more worried for her family living in Brisbane by the river.
“We’ve had water come very close to the shop before as the drain outside doesn’t handle rain very well so we’ll be putting sandbags up just in case,” she said.
In Tewantin, locals were filling up sandbags en masse to protect their homes and businesses.
Susanne Wahrlich was collecting sandbags at the Tewantin SES depot to shore up her garage near Noosa River.
“The water runs straight down the road whenever there’s a heavy downpour, so I’m preparing for the worst,” Ms Wahrlich said.
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