The 9 key points from David Crisafulli’s latest cyclone address

David Crisafulli has issued his latest message to residents of Southeast Queensland ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s arrival. Here’s what you need to know.

Qld Premier David Crisafulli has told Queenslanders to take Alfred seriously. (Image/Josh Woning)

• Word for word: Premier’s briefing in full

David Crisafulli has issued his latest message to residents of South East Queensland ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s arrival.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Cyclone Alfred is coming

There is, based on every weather model available, no doubt that this cyclone is turning back towards Queensland.

2. The path is locked in ... almost

There is high certainty in the path due to consensus between weather models. While it could shift, it won’t shift far.

3. Rainfall is the biggest risk

While the intense winds and wild seas will diminish quickly, the rain will continue into the weekend, with flooding risk.

4. The tide is also critical

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sue Oates said tides could be 0.5m to 0.8m higher than the “highest astronomical tide”.

4. This needs to be taken seriously

Crisafulli said “the overnight modelling shows that the cyclone has firmed and all of the information does show this is something we need to take seriously.

“We are prepared, we are asking Queenslanders to do the same.

“It is a really rare event for southeast Queensland but it is serious and it is happening and we want Queenslanders to be prepared.”

5. But not everyone is taking it seriously

Mr Crisafulli said there is still an element of the population that hasn’t yet fully understood the magnitude of this system.

“And that’s completely understandable because it has been many decades since Queensland has been here in this part of the state (in terms of a cyclone crossing the coast).

6. Supermarkets will be restocked

Mr Crisafulli said the government had amended regulations to allow supermarket resupply in 21 local government areas to be conducted 24 hours a day.

“That’s never happened before a disaster,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“I want to thank the deputy premier (Jarrod Bleijie) ... he has spoken directly with the supermarkets.”

7. Wednesday is critical

A decision on whether schools will be closed, what services such as public transport will be shutdown will be made on Wednesday.

8. Moreton Bay islands are first in firing line

Evacuation centres established, door knocks, preparations under way.

9. Test of SEQWater’s transparency

Crisafulli said SEQWater was the most qualified body to make a call on dam releases, but they needed to be transparent with Queenslanders.

The Water Minister has ordered SEQWater to come clean, which they will this afternoon.

Originally published as The 9 key points from David Crisafulli’s latest cyclone address