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Insane cyclone wipe out caught on camera

Although authorities have asked people to stay away, thousands of people are still taking their chances in the surf from Cyclone Alfred.

Andrew McMurtry
March 7, 2025 - 10:12AM
news.com.au
The satellite image of Cyclone Alfred on Thursday afternoon as it closes in on the east coast of Australia.
1/81The satellite image of Cyclone Alfred on Thursday afternoon as it closes in on the east coast of Australia.
Surfer and photographer Damian Coulter was snapped in the crazy swell. He wrote on Instagram
2/81Surfer and photographer Damian Coulter was snapped in the crazy swell. He wrote on Instagram "Jumped outa helicopter yesterday. Yesterday afternoon at the Bluff was nothing short of spectacular in more way's than one". Photo: Amber Cowley via Instagram/keengromet
Surfer’s aren’t ones to follow rules, despite calls from authorities to stay inside and ride out the storm. Picture Lachie Millard
3/81Surfer’s aren’t ones to follow rules, despite calls from authorities to stay inside and ride out the storm. Picture Lachie Millard
Thousands of people are still heading out to witness the event, with plenty even jumping in the surf or playing in the sea foam, despite the hairy conditions and warnings not to do it. Photo: Adam Head
4/81Thousands of people are still heading out to witness the event, with plenty even jumping in the surf or playing in the sea foam, despite the hairy conditions and warnings not to do it. Photo: Adam Head
Lifeguards in action at Alex Heads during the Cyclone Alfred swell. Picture Lachie Millard
5/81Lifeguards in action at Alex Heads during the Cyclone Alfred swell. Picture Lachie Millard
A group evade a crashing wave in Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
6/81A group evade a crashing wave in Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
More kids playing in the sea foam that’s been churned up. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
7/81More kids playing in the sea foam that’s been churned up. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
Sisters, Zaleih, 9, and Jazmin Bedward, 15, running from the sea surgre at Kings Beach. Picture: Patrick Woods.
8/81Sisters, Zaleih, 9, and Jazmin Bedward, 15, running from the sea surgre at Kings Beach. Picture: Patrick Woods.
An young onlooker evades a incoming wave in Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
9/81An young onlooker evades a incoming wave in Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Party in the back of an SUV at Main Beach at Byron Bay as surfers get in one last surf before Cyclone Alfred is expected to hit. Picture: Rohan Kelly
10/81Party in the back of an SUV at Main Beach at Byron Bay as surfers get in one last surf before Cyclone Alfred is expected to hit. Picture: Rohan Kelly
People at the break wall at Point Cartwright to see the wild ocean whipped up by Cyclone Alfred. Picture Lachie Millard
11/81People at the break wall at Point Cartwright to see the wild ocean whipped up by Cyclone Alfred. Picture Lachie Millard
Onlookers evade a crashing wave on at Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
12/81Onlookers evade a crashing wave on at Tweed Heads. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
But the scenes have to come with a reminder that those taking part might be putting their lives in danger. The Currumbin surf livesaving club was smashed by the surf and the wild weather is getting more and more destructive. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
13/81But the scenes have to come with a reminder that those taking part might be putting their lives in danger. The Currumbin surf livesaving club was smashed by the surf and the wild weather is getting more and more destructive. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
Plenty of communities have been told to evacuate with floods expected. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
14/81Plenty of communities have been told to evacuate with floods expected. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Even the Brisbane Broncos headquarters are closed. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
15/81Even the Brisbane Broncos headquarters are closed. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
The Brisbane CBD was a little bit like a ghost town as we wait for Cyclone Alfred to arrive. Picture: David Clark
16/81The Brisbane CBD was a little bit like a ghost town as we wait for Cyclone Alfred to arrive. Picture: David Clark
Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
17/81Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
18/81Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
Thousands of homes are bracing for the worst with the scenes looking more like a war zone. Pics Adam Head
19/81Thousands of homes are bracing for the worst with the scenes looking more like a war zone. Pics Adam Head
In Lismore, the streets are deserted and shop fronts prepared for the incoming weather event. Picture Remy Varga
20/81In Lismore, the streets are deserted and shop fronts prepared for the incoming weather event. Picture Remy Varga
Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
21/81Dreamworld animals have been relocated to shelter during Cyclone Alfred while others will be forced to bunker down in the elements. Photo: Supplied
The coastal erosion at Currumbin is already extreme. Pics Adam Head
22/81The coastal erosion at Currumbin is already extreme. Pics Adam Head
Cyclone Alfred remains off the coast causing erosion and rough seas at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head
23/81Cyclone Alfred remains off the coast causing erosion and rough seas at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head
Cyclone Alfred remains off the coast causing erosion and rough seas at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head
24/81Cyclone Alfred remains off the coast causing erosion and rough seas at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. Pics Adam Head
The coastal erosion is just as bad at Mermaid Beach looking towards Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett
25/81The coastal erosion is just as bad at Mermaid Beach looking towards Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Thousands of people are out and about to watch the swell at Kirra as Cylone Alfred sits off the coast. Pics Adam Head
26/81Thousands of people are out and about to watch the swell at Kirra as Cylone Alfred sits off the coast. Pics Adam Head
The view from Q1 of the giant surf, created by Cyclone Alfred, pounding the beachfront on the Gold Coast. Picture Glenn Hampson
27/81The view from Q1 of the giant surf, created by Cyclone Alfred, pounding the beachfront on the Gold Coast. Picture Glenn Hampson
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tipped to make landfall between Maroochydore and Coolangatta as its “destructive core” readies to cross the Queensland coast.. The category 2 cyclone was 325km east of Brisbane and 300km east of the Gold Coast on Thursday morning, moving west southwest at 7km/h, having slowed down substantially. A warning zone was issued for Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in NSW, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina but not including Grafton.
28/81Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tipped to make landfall between Maroochydore and Coolangatta as its “destructive core” readies to cross the Queensland coast.. The category 2 cyclone was 325km east of Brisbane and 300km east of the Gold Coast on Thursday morning, moving west southwest at 7km/h, having slowed down substantially. A warning zone was issued for Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in NSW, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina but not including Grafton.
People in the cyclone firing line have been told to hunker down or prepare to evacuate. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
29/81People in the cyclone firing line have been told to hunker down or prepare to evacuate. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Crowds pack into Alex Heads to watch the waves whipped up by Cyclone Alfred. But they have been told to stop doing this and stay at home. Picture Lachie Millard
30/81Crowds pack into Alex Heads to watch the waves whipped up by Cyclone Alfred. But they have been told to stop doing this and stay at home. Picture Lachie Millard
The big seas coming into Kings Beach and Caloundra ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It’s incredible scenes. Photo: Bluey’s Photography
31/81The big seas coming into Kings Beach and Caloundra ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It’s incredible scenes. Photo: Bluey’s Photography
Massive swells at Mooloolaba from Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Facebook/David Cook.
32/81Massive swells at Mooloolaba from Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Facebook/David Cook.
Nine’s Today reporting that “authorities want people not to head into the water and not to come out for a look. Today is a day to stay in doors, stay at home”. Picture: Nigel Hallett
33/81Nine’s Today reporting that “authorities want people not to head into the water and not to come out for a look. Today is a day to stay in doors, stay at home”. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Authorities have advised that people don’t leave their homes to go for a look. Picture Lachie Millard
34/81Authorities have advised that people don’t leave their homes to go for a look. Picture Lachie Millard
However, some people can’t be told. A picture of a kite surfer taking on the wild conditions. Photo Steve Pohlner
35/81However, some people can’t be told. A picture of a kite surfer taking on the wild conditions. Photo Steve Pohlner
A woman paddles past a yacht at Wellington Point in Brisbane on Wednesday. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
36/81A woman paddles past a yacht at Wellington Point in Brisbane on Wednesday. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Authorities want people to stay away despite the spectacular scenes. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
37/81Authorities want people to stay away despite the spectacular scenes. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The wild weather can quickly become dangerous. Picture: Nigel Hallett
38/81The wild weather can quickly become dangerous. Picture: Nigel Hallett
A bodyboarder on a large wave at Alex Heads during the Cyclone Alfred swell. Picture Lachie Millard
39/81A bodyboarder on a large wave at Alex Heads during the Cyclone Alfred swell. Picture Lachie Millard
Huge surf from Cyclone Alfred smashes into the Currumbin coastline, washing through the Cururrumbin SLSC carpark and tearing up the surface, scattering it along the beach. Picture Glenn hampson
40/81Huge surf from Cyclone Alfred smashes into the Currumbin coastline, washing through the Cururrumbin SLSC carpark and tearing up the surface, scattering it along the beach. Picture Glenn hampson
It’s not worth it for an up close picture. Picture: Nigel Hallett
41/81It’s not worth it for an up close picture. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Crowds have been packing down to see the swell as a cyclone hasn’t hit the region in 50 years. Picture Lachie Millard
42/81Crowds have been packing down to see the swell as a cyclone hasn’t hit the region in 50 years. Picture Lachie Millard
Businesses are boarding up and trying to protect their livelihoods. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
43/81Businesses are boarding up and trying to protect their livelihoods. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Paradise Point traders get ready for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. Pictures Glenn Hampson
44/81Paradise Point traders get ready for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. Pictures Glenn Hampson
Shops are doing whatever they can to try and minimise the damage. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass
45/81Shops are doing whatever they can to try and minimise the damage. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass
Most shops will be closed today as Queensland and northern NSW brace for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. Pictures Glenn Hampson
46/81Most shops will be closed today as Queensland and northern NSW brace for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. Pictures Glenn Hampson
It’s much harder for boat owners - captain Gary Donnellan pictured securing his boat. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
47/81It’s much harder for boat owners - captain Gary Donnellan pictured securing his boat. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Times like these also bring out the best in people. Michelle Vine, co-founder of Here Space in East Brisbane, put out a call for help on Facebook to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and had over 30 people help out. Picture: Richard Walker
48/81Times like these also bring out the best in people. Michelle Vine, co-founder of Here Space in East Brisbane, put out a call for help on Facebook to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and had over 30 people help out. Picture: Richard Walker
Many sandbag stations have been closed now with more than 400,000 collected by people. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
49/81Many sandbag stations have been closed now with more than 400,000 collected by people. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
It was a long wait for many people to get their sandbags. Picture: David Clark
50/81It was a long wait for many people to get their sandbags. Picture: David Clark
Residents lining up to fill sandbags at Maroochydore-Hinterland Lawn Bowls Club in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
51/81Residents lining up to fill sandbags at Maroochydore-Hinterland Lawn Bowls Club in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
People looking over Brisbane from the Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout on Wednesday. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
52/81People looking over Brisbane from the Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout on Wednesday. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
A windswept Coolum Beach on Wednesday as Cyclone Alfred approaches south east Queensland. Picture Lachie Millard
53/81A windswept Coolum Beach on Wednesday as Cyclone Alfred approaches south east Queensland. Picture Lachie Millard
Heavy beach erosion seen on South Golden Beach. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
54/81Heavy beach erosion seen on South Golden Beach. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
A lifeguard station at Snapper Rocks as the sea closes in. Picture: Nigel Hallett
55/81A lifeguard station at Snapper Rocks as the sea closes in. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Cyclone Alfred has already sparked pandemonium despite having not yet hit landfall as people in Queensland and New South Wales. Picture: Windy.com x
56/81Cyclone Alfred has already sparked pandemonium despite having not yet hit landfall as people in Queensland and New South Wales. Picture: Windy.com x
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media. It is new territory for the premier with a cyclone watch issued for northern NSW for the first time since 1990. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard
57/81NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media. It is new territory for the premier with a cyclone watch issued for northern NSW for the first time since 1990. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard
An SES staff member viewing the digital weather charts at the SES HQ, taking the category 2 cyclone storm. It has been reported that it could increase to a category 3 cyclone by the time it hits the coast. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard
58/81An SES staff member viewing the digital weather charts at the SES HQ, taking the category 2 cyclone storm. It has been reported that it could increase to a category 3 cyclone by the time it hits the coast. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard
Flooding is expected from Hervey Bay in the north to Taree in the south. Photo: Bureau of Meterology
59/81Flooding is expected from Hervey Bay in the north to Taree in the south. Photo: Bureau of Meterology
The weather is getting wilder - residents of Ballina taking a morning walk along the North Wall as massive waves batter the shoreline. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
60/81The weather is getting wilder - residents of Ballina taking a morning walk along the North Wall as massive waves batter the shoreline. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
Schools have been closed including Tweed Heads High School as the community braces for heavy rain. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
61/81Schools have been closed including Tweed Heads High School as the community braces for heavy rain. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Cyclone Alfred has already wreaked havoc across the east coast with a weather warning for almost 1000km of coastline in Queensland and New South Wales. Picture Glenn Hampson
62/81Cyclone Alfred has already wreaked havoc across the east coast with a weather warning for almost 1000km of coastline in Queensland and New South Wales. Picture Glenn Hampson
Despite the closures, surfers have been enjoying the wild swells and challenging surf. Picture Lachie Millard
63/81Despite the closures, surfers have been enjoying the wild swells and challenging surf. Picture Lachie Millard
Crowds gathered to watch the wild swells as surfers make the most of it at Kirra. Picture Glenn Hampson
64/81Crowds gathered to watch the wild swells as surfers make the most of it at Kirra. Picture Glenn Hampson
Locals and tourists defy beach closures at The Pass, Byron Bay to surf the large swell ahead of Cyclone Alfred. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
65/81Locals and tourists defy beach closures at The Pass, Byron Bay to surf the large swell ahead of Cyclone Alfred. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Former three-time world champion Mick Fanning couldn’t help himself but from taking on the massive swell. But he came off second best, needing stitches, even though he’s “good to go again”. Photo: Instagram / mfanno
66/81Former three-time world champion Mick Fanning couldn’t help himself but from taking on the massive swell. But he came off second best, needing stitches, even though he’s “good to go again”. Photo: Instagram / mfanno
Big swell forming in Coffs Harbour at the usually calm Jetty Beach has attracted surfers as Cyclone Alfred approaches.
67/81Big swell forming in Coffs Harbour at the usually calm Jetty Beach has attracted surfers as Cyclone Alfred approaches.
People watch the jet skis and surfers at Kirra Beach as the surf just gets wilder. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
68/81People watch the jet skis and surfers at Kirra Beach as the surf just gets wilder. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The Woolworths supermarket in Nundah, Brisbane has been picked clean as people stock up on dairy and bread ahead of the cyclone making landfall. Picture: NewsWire/ John Gass
69/81The Woolworths supermarket in Nundah, Brisbane has been picked clean as people stock up on dairy and bread ahead of the cyclone making landfall. Picture: NewsWire/ John Gass
The shelves have been decimated. Picture: NewsWire/ John Gass
70/81The shelves have been decimated. Picture: NewsWire/ John Gass
Same at Coolangatta. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell 
71/81Same at Coolangatta. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell 
No, this isn’t a throwback from Covid - there’s another run on toilet paper as the storm is set to hit the east coast. One user on X tweeted: “Water and toilet paper gone from the shelves at Maroochydore Woolies .This cyclone, makes you feel like it’s Covid 2020-21 again”. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell 
72/81No, this isn’t a throwback from Covid - there’s another run on toilet paper as the storm is set to hit the east coast. One user on X tweeted: “Water and toilet paper gone from the shelves at Maroochydore Woolies .
This cyclone, makes you feel like it’s Covid 2020-21 again”. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell 
People have been queuing up for sandbags in expectation of a deluge of rain when Cyclone Alfred hits the coast. Lismore, which was hit by a deadly flood three years ago, is in the firing line again. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
73/81People have been queuing up for sandbags in expectation of a deluge of rain when Cyclone Alfred hits the coast. Lismore, which was hit by a deadly flood three years ago, is in the firing line again. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Lismore resident and Councillor Jasmine Knight-Smith has stocked up on sandbags in preparation for the Cyclone’s arrival. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
74/81Lismore resident and Councillor Jasmine Knight-Smith has stocked up on sandbags in preparation for the Cyclone’s arrival. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
The sandbag depots are absolutely packed as thousands brace for the wild weather. Some have been accused of acting like vultures with residents facing long queues and shortages. Photo: Steve Pohlner
75/81The sandbag depots are absolutely packed as thousands brace for the wild weather. Some have been accused of acting like vultures with residents facing long queues and shortages. Photo: Steve Pohlner
Graham Philippi with Rudy Van Kerckhof on Queens Beach on the Redcliffe peninsular filling sand bags. Photo Steve Pohlner
76/81Graham Philippi with Rudy Van Kerckhof on Queens Beach on the Redcliffe peninsular filling sand bags. Photo Steve Pohlner
Preparations are underway in the Wynnum for the possible arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred with locals collecting sandbags from the Lota sandbagging location. Picture David Clark
77/81Preparations are underway in the Wynnum for the possible arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred with locals collecting sandbags from the Lota sandbagging location. Picture David Clark
People fill sands bags in Tugun ahead of the storm hitting landfall. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
78/81People fill sands bags in Tugun ahead of the storm hitting landfall. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Lismore residents are battening down the hatches. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
79/81Lismore residents are battening down the hatches. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Chloe Ryan at Bunnings getting some cyclone gear, were shopping to stock up because of the threat of Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Steve Pohlner
80/81Chloe Ryan at Bunnings getting some cyclone gear, were shopping to stock up because of the threat of Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Steve Pohlner
Road saftey provisions are going into place in the Northern Rivers region as the community braces for heavy rain. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
81/81Road saftey provisions are going into place in the Northern Rivers region as the community braces for heavy rain. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/technology/environment/gone-wild-scenes-in-35year-cyclone-first/image-gallery/c2103a3654b598a9a7469ab5a6b78e8a