Former Cyclone Alfred Triggers Flood Warnings in Eastern Australia

LABRADOR, Australia, 8 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Cyclone Alfred weakened into a tropical low on Saturday but continued to pose a severe flood risk as it approached the rain-battered eastern coast of Australia.

The former cyclone has left more than 250,000 homes and businesses without power and forced thousands to evacuate. While it no longer carries gale-force winds, Alfred is still bringing torrential rain, intensifying the threat of life-threatening flash floods along a 400-kilometre (250-mile) stretch of coastline between southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology warned that heavy rainfall would persist over the weekend, potentially causing rivers—already swollen from previous storms—to breach their banks.

Man Missing as Floodwaters Rise

One man remains missing in northern New South Wales after his vehicle was swept off a bridge into a fast-flowing river. Authorities said he managed to escape the car and grab onto a tree branch but was later dragged beneath the water.

“There are grave concerns for the missing man,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, urging people to remain vigilant despite the storm’s downgrade. “Serious risks remain, and conditions will worsen in the coming hours and days.”

Flood Warnings and Evacuations

Meteorologist Daniel Hayes warned that several rivers in the region were reaching dangerous levels, with some already approaching major flood thresholds.

In Lismore, a city devastated by deadly floods in 2022, the Wilsons River is rising rapidly and may breach its 10.6-metre (35-foot) levee. If the barrier fails, authorities fear widespread flooding across the city.

“We’re talking about a significant rush of water if the levee is overtopped,” said New South Wales Emergency Services chief Michael Wassing.

Evacuation orders have been issued for 16,200 residents in New South Wales, while emergency crews work to safeguard communities.

Widespread Power Outages

Southeast Queensland has been particularly hard hit, with a staggering 239,000 properties left without power as winds downed power lines and debris damaged electrical infrastructure.

Energex Brisbane area manager Chris Graham warned that dangerous conditions were preventing crews from restoring electricity in some areas. Meanwhile, another 39,000 homes and businesses in northern New South Wales are also without power, and floodwaters could delay repair efforts further.

A Troubled Region Facing Repeated Disasters

Eastern Australia has endured repeated extreme weather events in recent years, with climate scientists attributing the increased frequency of cyclones and floods to climate change. The region suffered catastrophic flooding in 2022, leaving thousands homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage.

With Cyclone Alfred now adding to the devastation, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid floodwaters, and follow emergency directives to ensure their safety.