Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakens as it closes in on Australia’s east coast

A tropical cyclone that was expected to make landfall near Brisbane, Australia, has weakened to a tropical low weather system. Tropical Cyclone Alfred was forecasted to be the first cyclone to cross the east Australian coast near the Queensland state capital since 1974. However, on Saturday, the system lost strength as it approached Brisbane, bringing heavy rain and flooding to the coastal region.

The cyclone, which had sustained winds near its center of 59 mph and gusts up to 81 mph, weakened early Saturday to a tropical low, with winds of less than 39 mph. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted that the system would cross the coast north of Brisbane between Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast region later in the day.

Cyclones are common in Queensland’s tropical north, but they are rare in the state’s densely populated southeast corner, which borders New South Wales. Despite the weakening of the cyclone, heavy rainfall and coastal surf impacts were expected to continue over southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales throughout the weekend, according to the bureau.

The heavy rain has caused rivers to flood in both Queensland and New South Wales. In New South Wales, 39 people had to be rescued from floodwaters, and one man was reported missing after being swept down a river on Friday. More than 19,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying homes.

Additionally, over 250,000 homes and businesses in the region, particularly in Gold Coast city south of Brisbane, have lost power due to the severe weather conditions. The authorities are urging residents to stay safe and take necessary precautions as the weather system continues to impact the area.

The situation remains fluid, and residents are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and follow the guidance of local authorities. Stay tuned for further developments as the tropical low weather system moves across the region.