‘Worst case scenario’: Fresh warning as Cyclone Alfred nears Aussie coast

Millions of people in the path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred have been issued a grave new warning, with the effects already being felt along Australia’s east coast.

The effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred are already being felt on Australia’s east coast, as the Prime Minister deploys the military to the danger zones.

The system – which is expected to remain “at the higher end” of category 2 – is set to make landfall between midnight Thursday and the early hours of Friday morning, bringing more than half a metre of rain in large areas of Queensland and NSW, as well as flooding, damaging to destructive winds, storm surge and coastal inundation.

Public transport services and elective surgeries will be cancelled on Thursday and Friday throughout the impact zone, and hundreds of schools across both states will be closed through to the end of this week.

Anthony Albanese, who has deployed the Australian Defence Force, urged those in Alfred’s path to “prepare” and “take this seriously”.

“This is a serious weather event, with heavy rain, destructive winds, and major flooding expected,” Mr Albanese said.

“To everyone in the warning zone, please stay informed, follow advice from emergency services, and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also issued a firm warning to residents to stay indoors for at least the next 48 hours, saying now “is not the opportunity for curiosity”.

Read on for the latest updates

Originally published as ‘Worst case scenario’: Fresh warning as Cyclone Alfred nears Aussie coast