Your Tropical Cyclone Alfred questions answered

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is on a collision course with South East Queensland with millions urged to prepare. Here are some key questions answered.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tracking towards South East Queensland.

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred set to make landfall early on Friday morning, millions of South East Queensland residents are being told to brace for impact.

Here, we answer some of the key questions:

When will Tropical Cyclone Alfred make landfall?

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cross the coast about 7am on Friday. There are fears on Wednesday morning that it could cross as a category three system, but currently is a category 2.

Where will it make landfall?

Current tracking shows it making landfall just south of Brisbane.

Where is Alfred now?

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Matt Collopy said at 11am on Wednesday the category 2 system was currently 400km east of Brisbane and was moving “west at around 11km/h”.

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Tropical Cyclone Alfred's path down the Queensland coast.

What can I expect when it makes landfall?

Wind gusts could reach 150km/h when Alfred makes landfall. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of six-hourly rainfall totals of 200-250mm and 24-hour totals of 300-400mm on the southern side of the system.

Why is flooding such a concern?

Along with the heavy rainfall, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cross close to high tide, with many properties set to be inundated due to the storm surge, while the expected heavy rain could lead to possibly life-threatening flash flooding.

See the Brisbane suburbs most at risk of flooding.

Cyclone Alfred whips up big surf and high tides at Snapper Rocks. Picture Adam Head

Will my home flood?

It depends on where you live. New flood mapping released by the Brisbane, Gold Coast and Moreton Bay councils show more than 26,000 homes are set to be inundated.

You can find the information for your address here:

Brisbane flood awareness map

Gold Coast flood risk map

Moreton Bay

Should I stay home during the cyclone?

Yes. Both Premier David Crisafulli and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner are urging residents to stay at home on Thursday and Friday.

CityCats being lifted out of the Brisbane River ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival. Picture: John Gass

How will public transport be impacted?

Brisbane City Council buses will stop running after the last service on Wednesday, while Queensland Rail trains will stop once wind speeds reach 90km/h or when the cyclone is within 200km or 10 hours from making landfall. CityCats and ferries have already stopped operating.

Do public servants have to go into the office?

That’s unknown at this stage. Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie says a decision will be made in the coming days.

When will schools close?

Schools across South East Queensland’s cyclone-impacted areas will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Premier David Crisafulli said at 11am on Wednesday.

Have any flights been cancelled?

So far there are no cancellations due to Alfred, but airlines are expected to provide updates later today.

Originally published as Your Tropical Cyclone Alfred questions answered