North Qld on alert as Cyclone Alfred intensifies to Category 4 overnight, before returning back to a Category 3

Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to pose a threat to Queensland’s coast, bringing hazardous winds, large waves, and coastal flooding risks despite being well offshore.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to pose a threat to Queensland’s coast, bringing hazardous winds, large waves, and coastal flooding risks despite being well offshore. Photo: Brett Wortman.

Queenslanders are being urged to stay vigilant as Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which briefly strengthened to a Category 4 system on Friday night, has since weakened back to a Category 3.

While the cyclone remains well offshore in the Coral Sea, it is still generating hazardous conditions along the coast, particularly for central and southern regions.

As of Saturday morning, March 1, severe TC Alfred is located about 670 km east of Mackay and 600 km east-northeast of Rockhampton, moving slowly in a southwest direction at around 7 km/h.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves South and away from Cairns. Picture: BOM

While the cyclone is not expected to make landfall, strong winds and large waves will continue to affect coastal areas throughout the weekend.

Forecaster Jonathan Howe said, the system was producing sustained winds near its centre of 155 km/h, with gusts reaching as high as 220 km/h over open waters.

“While Alfred is expected to move further southeast away from the coast, hazardous conditions will persist along the Queensland coastline, especially in areas south of Mackay,” he said.

“Even though the cyclone remains offshore, we are expecting large waves and powerful surf conditions along the coast, with some areas experiencing swells up to 3 meters.”

Mr Howe said this could create dangerous conditions for coastal activities such as swimming, rock fishing, and boating.

“A strong wind warning is currently in effect for all waters south of Mackay to the Sunshine Coast, with storm-force wind warnings extending to the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

Queenslanders were on alert earlier in the week as Cyclone Alfred strengthened to a Category 3 system, with strong winds and large waves posing a hazard. Picture: BOM.

Additionally coastal hazard warning are also in place for the Wide Bay and southeast coast, including Fraser Island, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

The forecaster said these areas are at risk of coastal flooding and severe beach erosion due to the combination of powerful waves and high tides.

“The situation remains fluid, and while the cyclone is expected to weaken over the weekend, its path could change, so it’s important to stay informed,” Mr Howe said.

Authorities are advising all coastal users to follow advice from Surf Life Saving Queensland and remain cautious when near the water.

The cyclone is expected to continue to move further southeast by Sunday, March 2, but could curve back towards the Queensland coast by midweek, with its exact path remaining uncertain.

“We encourage all Queenslanders to stay up to date with the latest tropical cyclone information and to check any marine and high seas warnings,” Mr Howe said.

Originally published as North Qld on alert as Cyclone Alfred intensifies to Category 4 overnight, before returning back to a Category 3