Hundreds – and potentially thousands – of Sunshine Coast homes are vulnerable to flooding as Tropical Cyclone Alfred barrels towards the state’s south-east.
Local authorities have warned against complacency as the Category 2 system tracks towards a crossing point between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.
Emergency refuge centres have been established, more than 107,000 sandbags have been collected, schools have been cancelled and public transport services have been suspended. The system was expected to make landfall on Friday.
A cyclone warning, issued late Wednesday for Double Island Point to Grafton, stated that the system packed 130kmh gusts of wind.
The most intense conditions should be felt near and to the south of the crossing point.
But Police District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said Sunshine Coast locals should still be on guard, and added that police were door-knocking up to 1600 homes that are at risk of flooding if the storm surge reaches half a metre above the highest astronomical tide. If it reaches a metre above HAT, about 4600 properties may be affected. But the system is now expected to hit land later than expected and potentially on a lower tide.
“Although the current mapping shows it is going to track further south of the Sunshine Coast, it (the cyclone) is very unpredictable,” he said.
“We strongly encourage people not to become complacent and to take the necessary precautions.”
He said the community should “expect the unexpected”.
“We’ve seen the volatility of this cyclone,” he said.
“And regardless of where it makes landfall, the Sunshine Coast is still expected to see a storm surge and rainfall.”
Emergency refuge centres have opened at the Nambour Showgrounds and the Noosa Leisure Centre. One will open at Caloundra Indoor Stadium and Landsborough Sportsground on Thursday morning.
Police were door-knocking at-risk properties at Golden Beach, Pelican Waters, Maroochydore, Coolum, Mooloolaba, Twin Waters, Minyama and Bli Bli.
“We are advising those residents of the risks so that they can make an informed decision (to evacuate or not) and prepare their property,” Supt Hawkins said.
“If you’re going to have water over your floorboards, we encourage you to seek an alternative place of safety and, if you do decide to leave, you need to leave before the event starts.
“Abnormally high tides between 2m to 2.3m are forecast. Storm surge and swell may cause flooding around coastal and low-lying areas.
“And we expect there could be 100mm of rain per day (Thursday to Saturday).”
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Johnathan How told Sunshine Coast News the Sunshine Coast could still be significantly affected.
“The tracking map does bring the crossing (point) closer to Brisbane but the Sunshine Coast is still within the warning zone,” he said.
“That means you will see gale-force winds on the Sunshine Coast and damaging winds on the southern part of the Sunshine Coast.
“There is potential for wind gusts of up to 120kmh on the coastal fringe from Wednesday night through Friday.
“The Sunshine Coast and hinterland are used to thunderstorms bringing these winds but those winds only last up to a minute. These winds will be sustained for many hours, so we could see trees down, damage to property, loose items being airborne and power lines impacted.
“The heaviest rain will be south of the Sunshine Coast but there is potential for heavier falls there.
“There is also a flood watch current for Sunshine Coast rivers and creeks.
“And there will be huge waves and coastal erosion. Once the system starts to land, we’ll see a big storm surge so low-lying suburbs will start to get flooded on Friday morning.”
He said residents should be wary.
“Once the cyclone gets closer to landfall we may see the warning zone shrink but, for the moment, the message is that you’re still in the warning zone so there is the potential for dangerous gales and, regardless of that, we’ll still see dangerous coastal conditions with that storm surge,” he said.
“Any wobble the cyclone has can have a big impact.”
Supt Hawkins said there were several ways that residents could prepare for the event.
“We ask people to inspect the conditions of their home, including drainage,” he said.
“Boats and vessels remain a concern and we encourage owners to secure them or seek alternative moorings.
“Please have enough supplies, including medication and non-perishable goods, fuel for generators, an emergency kit with battery-operated radio, a torch, spare batteries and a list of emergency contact numbers.
“If you live in a low-lying area, particularly beachfronts and canals, you need to prepare your home, including any sandbagging requirements. Sandbag locations are listed on council websites.
“For SES assistance you can call 132500 but if your situation is life threatening call 000.”
He also urged people not to panic buy.
“We’re also seeking residents to be considerate of others when purchasing essential items,” he said.
“Supply chains have not been affected however residents have been asked to purchase (only) necessary quantities.”
Sunshine Coast and Noosa schools and early childhood services will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Schools and services are providing updates directly to families.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads stated there will be no public transport services from Thursday until further notice.
Rail services were due to be suspended after the last service on Wednesday, no vessels are permitted on the water until further notice and roads and people have been urged to avoid travelling on roads.
Sunshine Coast Airport stated late Wednesday that it was still operating and it would provide updates as the situation changes. Airlines have issued information for customers flying to and from the airport.
Sunshine Coast Health’s critical services, including emergency surgery and emergency departments, will continue to function.
The health service is working with clinicians to identify and contact vulnerable patients who may require additional assistance: support including transport, essential healthcare and medications. High-risk patients include those requiring dialysis, those on oxygen and pregnant mothers that are near term.
Council waste services will not operate on Thursday and Friday. To support clean-up activities, there will be no collection fees for people disposing green or general waste when Sunshine Coast Council tips reopen.
More flood maps are available on Sunshine Coast Disaster Hub and council websites.
For more information see getready.qld.gov.au, disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au.
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