Key Points
- Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened but still causes serious issues in Queensland and NSW, with ongoing power outages and flooding risks.
- It seems likely that hundreds of thousands of customers are still without power, though exact numbers are unclear as of March 9, 2025.
- The evidence leans toward continued heavy rain and flash flooding, with emergency services urging caution.
Current Status
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, now a tropical low, made landfall near Brisbane and has weakened, but its impacts persist. The situation remains serious, with significant power outages affecting homes and businesses in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. While exact figures are hard to confirm, reports suggest hundreds of thousands were initially impacted, and restoration efforts are ongoing. Flooding risks are also high, with heavy rain and flash flooding expected to continue, leading to emergency rescues and warnings to avoid flooded areas.
Power Outages
Power outages are a major concern, with Energex reporting ongoing incidents. Earlier reports indicated over 250,000 homes and businesses without power in Queensland, and more than 35,000 in NSW, but the current number of affected customers is not fully clear. Authorities are working to restore power, prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals.
Flooding Risks
Flooding remains a significant risk, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding reported. Emergency services have noted 917 incidents in the last 24 hours in NSW, including 17 rescues, and forecast rain totals of 80 to 130 millimeters could worsen the situation. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid driving through floodwaters.
Detailed Report on Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Impacts
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, focusing on its status as a tropical low, power outages, and flooding risks in Queensland and New South Wales as of 10:10 AM IST on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The information is drawn from recent updates and official sources, aiming to give a detailed picture for residents and stakeholders.
Background and Current Status
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, initially a category 2 cyclone, made landfall near Brisbane and has since weakened to a tropical low. As of the latest reports, it is located 72 km north-northeast of Brisbane, moving northward at 6 km/h, with a minimum central pressure of 1000 hPa and wind speeds at 65 km/h. Despite the downgrade, the system continues to pose challenges, with its effects felt through heavy rain and wind, particularly in south-east Queensland and northern NSW. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) indicates that the low-level circulation center is interacting with coastal areas, leading to ongoing weather impacts.
Authorities, including Get Ready Queensland (Get Ready Queensland), emphasize the need for residents to stay alert, monitor warnings, and prepare for potential severe weather, even as the cyclone weakens. The focus has shifted to managing the aftermath, with communities advised to check local council dashboards for specific conditions like road closures and school updates.
Power Outages: Extent and Restoration Efforts
Power outages have been a significant issue, with reports indicating a peak of over 330,000 homes without power across south-east Queensland as of March 8, 2025. In northern NSW, more than 35,000 homes and businesses were affected, as noted by Essential Energy. The chief operating officer of Energex, Paul Jordan, stated that full restoration could take over a week, with priority given to hospitals and critical infrastructure.
As of March 9, 2025, Energex’s outage finder reports 1049 ongoing outages in south-east Queensland, updated at 2:00 pm. However, the exact number of customers affected by these outages is not specified in the available data, suggesting a possible reduction from the peak but still significant impact. The Queensland Government’s disaster management page (Disaster Management QLD) advises checking the Energex power outage map for detailed information, highlighting the scale of the issue and the need for patience as crews work to repair damaged lines, often delayed by fallen trees and debris.
| Region | Peak Outages (Customers) | Latest Reported Outages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South-East Queensland | Over 330,000 | 1049 ongoing outages | |
| Northern NSW | Over 35,000 | Not specified |
This table illustrates the scale of the power outage issue, with the latest figures suggesting ongoing challenges, particularly in Queensland, where restoration efforts are prioritized but expected to take time.
Flooding Risks and Current Conditions
The threat of flooding has become a primary concern as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves inland, bringing heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding. News reports that NSW residents are urged to avoid driving through floodwaters, following 17 emergency rescues in the last 24 hours and a total of 917 emergency incidents. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 130 millimeters, which could lead to dangerous flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
In Queensland, Seqwater has announced flood releases from North Pine Dam, closing Youngs Crossing due to continuing rain, as noted in live updates . Reports that communities remain on alert for heavy rain and flooding, with emergency services treating injuries from incidents like a collision involving defense vehicles near Lismore, highlighting the ongoing risks.
| Area | Flooding Risk Level | Reported Incidents | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South-East Queensland | High, with releases | Dam releases noted | |
| Northern NSW | High, flash flooding | 17 rescues, 917 incidents |
This table summarizes the flooding situation, emphasizing the active response from emergency services and the potential for further impacts as rain continues.
Unexpected Detail: Impact on Infrastructure and Community Response
An unexpected aspect is the impact on infrastructure beyond power and flooding, such as road closures and school shutdowns. The Queensland Government’s disaster page mentions QLD Traffic for updates on road conditions, and schools have been closed, with over 230 public schools and additional TAFE campuses in NSW used as evacuation centers. This broader impact highlights the community-wide response, including the deployment of defense forces and the use of emergency hotlines like the Community Recovery Lifeline (1800 116671), adding layers to the crisis management efforts.
Recommendations and Resources
Residents are advised to stay informed through trusted sources. Key resources include:
- The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for weather forecasts and warnings.
- Disaster Management Queensland (Disaster Management QLD) for local area conditions.
- Energex (Energex Outages) for power outage updates.
For safety, avoid fallen power lines, do not drive through flooded areas, and prepare emergency kits with essentials like battery-powered radios and first-aid supplies, as recommended by Get Ready Queensland (Get Ready Queensland).
This detailed report aims to provide a thorough understanding of the ongoing situation, ensuring residents have the information needed to stay safe and prepared.
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