2025 Cyclone Alfred
Be prepared: coastal gales, swell headed for Coast
Here's what you need to know about the weekend weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks south.
The Sunshine Coast community is being encouraged to get prepared ahead of the forecast strong winds, large waves and showers caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised Sunshine Coast residents that TC Alfred (Category 3) is expected to stay offshore, but may bring coastal gales and scattered showers to the south east coastline early next week (March 3).
Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster and Emergency coordinator Jason Membrey said the chance of a significant event is low at this stage, but the situation would be closely monitored by Council.
“The BoM predicts TC Alfred is projected to move southwards today (February 28), then likely southwest on Saturday due to a mid-level ridge. An upper trough is expected to steer it back south-east early next week,” Mr Membrey said.
“TC Alfred is most likely to remain offshore, but could bring dangerous surf, large swells and coastal gale force winds to South East Queensland and significant rain is unlikely.
“The BoM has issued a Coastal Hazard Warning advising water levels on the high tide could exceed the highest tide of the year by around half a metre Saturday morning, which could lead to minor foreshore flooding and coastal erosion.
“Council is monitoring our beaches and will continue to update the community where any impacts or closures are identified.”
Stay safe at our beaches
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) State Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said a large, powerful and potentially damaging easterly swell is predicted by the BoM to develop over the next few days.
“SLSQ will continue to monitor beach conditions and there is a likelihood that beaches may close if conditions become too dangerous which, given the current forecasts, is quite possible,” Mr Purchase said.
“The most important advice we can give to our community is to heed lifeguard and volunteer lifesaver warnings, and read the written safety boards at beaches."
To view the BoM Coastal Hazard Warning, head to Council’s Disaster Hub - Sunshine Coast.
Coastal breakthroughs
Council is actively monitoring and preparing for potential inundation in areas typically affected by abnormal high tides and large swells, such as Currimundi Lake, Golden Beach (Bribie Island) and the Pumicestone Passage.
Prepare now
Mr Membrey encouraged residents to prepare for severe weather this weekend.
“Planning ahead for severe weather can help prevent unnecessary risks and help keep yourself, your family and your property safe,” Mr Membrey said.
“Make sure you have everything you and your family may need in case you lose power or are cut off by flood water or fallen trees.”
Council and Get Ready Queensland recommend you prepare by:
- Cleaning up the yard and house
- Completing your emergency plan
- Shopping for emergency kit items
- Packing your emergency kit
- Practising your evacuation plan
- Checking weather reports
- Looking after household pets.
There are a few simple steps you can take to get your family ready.
- Step one: Understand your risk, learn what can happen where you live and how it could affect your family.
- Step two: Make a household emergency plan, so your family knows what to do and who to contact. It will give you peace of mind to have important information in one place.
- Step three: Pack an emergency kit.
Stay informed with Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub at disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for up-to-date information and links to key emergency services in one location, including: weather warnings, road closures, evacuation centres, airport updates, traffic cameras and flood mapping.
It’s also a great idea to sign up for weather notifications from the Bureau of Meteorology at bom.gov.au.
For disaster preparedness resources visit Get Ready Queensland at getready.qld.gov.au.