While the current forecast track has the Bundaberg Region out of the direct path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred its movements remain uncertain and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution in coastal areas.
The Local Disaster Management Group has shifted from ‘Lean Forward’ status back to ‘Alert,’ which means it continues to actively assess the situation.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Helen Blackburn said residents must also continue to monitor the situation closely.
“For us here in the Bundaberg Region, we need to be aware that whilst we are on the outskirts, we certainly still need to remain alert and consider what our plans are if we need to take any action,” she said.
“Over the next few days we are expecting that there will be some rain, but as to how much, we are still not sure.”
Currently, the system is moving down the coast with modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology suggesting that further shifts could affect the southern parts of Queensland.
“Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a category 1 system, is currently located 465 kilometres east-north-east of Brisbane and 430 kilometres east-north-east of Maroochydore,” the latest Bureau report stated on Monday morning.
“Alfred will continue moving towards the south-east today, slightly away from the Queensland coast before slowing down and turning westward, towards the Queensland coast on Tuesday.
“Alfred is currently a category 1 cyclone but is expected to intensify to a category 2 cyclone tonight.
“It is likely to maintain a category 2 intensity as it approaches the south-east Queensland coast late on Thursday.”
District Disaster Coordinator Chief Inspector Grant Marcus said, while there was no direct threat to the Bundaberg Region currently, there were still hazards that the community needed to be aware of.
“We have seen a fair bit of wind and a fair bit of waves… and we’ve also noticed a lot of beach erosion in the Bundaberg Regional Council area,” he said.
Chief Inspector Marcus also had a warning for those with travel plans.
“If people are thinking about heading south, if they are thinking about heading to Brisbane this week, then they need to reconsider their plans,” he said.
“It is quite likely that there will be a significant cyclone hitting the coast in between Gympie and Brisbane at this point in time.
“However, watch and listen to the forecasts because cyclones can change and can move in different directions.”
Stay informed:
The LDMG has moved to ‘Alert” and will continue to monitor the situation.
Expect: Increased wave energy and hazardous surf which may lead to severe coastal erosion.
What you need to do:
• Know your limitations around beaches, tidal rivers, and creeks. Adhere to warnings from lifesavers and lifeguards.
• Stay up to date with warnings issued on the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/
• Follow the disaster dashboard here: https://disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/
