Tropical Cyclone Set to Impact Australia's Northeastern Coastline
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Synopsis
A tropical cyclone named Alfred is expected to hit the northeastern coast of Australia, impacting densely populated regions in Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated potential landfall between Brisbane and Townsville as early as next week, with severe weather conditions already affecting local areas.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical cyclone Alfred is likely to make landfall in Queensland.
- The storm is currently a category two with escalating wind speeds.
- Cleanup efforts are ongoing in Townsville following significant flooding.
- Forecasts predict impacts on both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
- Weather models show uncertainty about the storm's path.
Sydney, Feb 26 (NationPress) A tropical cyclone positioned off the northeast coast of Australia is likely to make landfall in a densely populated coastal area, as per the latest forecasts.
The tropical cyclone Alfred is anticipated to veer towards the coast of Queensland over the weekend, based on weather models that provide predictions as far as two weeks ahead.
Forecasts indicate that the system is set to hit land next week, potentially between Brisbane and Townsville, affecting a heavily populated coastal region that spans over 1,000 km and encompasses cities like Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, and several popular tourist spots.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) stated on Wednesday morning that Alfred was approximately 1,000 km east of Townsville in the northern Coral Sea and was moving slowly.
As of now, the storm is rated at category two intensity, with wind gusts reaching up to 140 km per hour, and it is predicted to escalate to category three strength by Thursday.
There is strong confidence that Alfred will remain distant from the Queensland coast until late this week. However, the trajectory remains highly uncertain as the weekend approaches, with the possibility of Alfred approaching closer to the Queensland shoreline.
Residents in and around Townsville, located in Queensland’s tropical north, are currently engaged in cleanup efforts following devastating flooding that occurred earlier in February, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
The Global Forecast System (GFS) anticipates that Alfred will head west this weekend and make landfall in Central Queensland by Tuesday.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), recognized as one of the most reliable models globally, foresees the storm making landfall between Townsville and Bundaberg by Sunday.
Queensland is already experiencing effects from the cyclone, with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast expected to face increasing wind gusts and powerful waves.
