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 overnight Thursday.

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

Where is it now?

Sitting 560km east of Brisbane, heading south-southeast at 6km/h.

Where will it make landfall?

Landfall is forecast to be somewhere between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. 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 at 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 is causing it to turn towards the Queensland coast?

Steering winds. Alfred is tracking south-southeast but is expected to turn westward towards the coast today 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?

At this stage, the state government has not made a decision on whether schools will close. Updates will be provided every afternoon. Premier David Crisafulli said there was a “very strong” likelihood of schools closing at some stage.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

What services are already impacted?

All Brisbane City Council’s CityCat and ferry services were suspended on Monday night. All ferry services to and from Moreton Bay islands are likely to be suspended from today. Village Roadshow will close its Gold Coast theme parks from Wednesday until Friday.

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.