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Cyclone Alfred Brisbane Highlights: Cyclone Alfred has downgraded to a tropical low system, but its impact remains severe, with one reported death and several injuries as the storm sweeps across the Australian East Coast. Over 300,000 people remain without power across Queensland and NSW amid heavy rain, strong winds, and rising flood risks.
What is the wind and flooding forecast?
Rivers are continuing to respond to rain areas, thunderstorms, and bands of showers wrapping around the system, which is now located across inland South East Queensland, the Bureau of Meteorology reported. The bureau said heavy rainfall that could spark flash flooding was developing on Sunday and could impact 9 locations in Queensland, including Brisbane. Flood warning for 11 locations remain in New South Wales (NSW).
How powerful is the storm?
The system which began as Category 2 cyclone turned into a Category 1 as it made landfall on Moreton Island. It downgraded to a tropical low weather system as it approached Brisbane, on Sunday. More than 316,540 remain without power in south east Queensland and New South Wales, news agency Reuters reported. PM Anthony Albanese announced the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children affected by the disaster.
Summary
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has postponed the national election, initially expected for April, due to the approaching Cyclone Alfred in Queensland. The election, which must be held by mid-May, will not take place on Sunday or Monday to allow the government to focus on the cyclone’s impact.
