- Cyclone Alfred classified as a category three
- The island resort was evacuated because of the storm.
- READ MORE: Tropical Storm Alfred to Hit Highly Populated Areas in Australia: Essential Information
The storm has strengthened to a category three system, prompting a popular Great Barrier Reef resort to evacuate all staff and guests.
The path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is currently located approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Mackay, remains unclear.
The Great Keppel Island Hideaway resort, located off the coast of Rockhampton, has announced on social media that it will temporarily shut down due to severe weather concerns and is preparing to evacuate the island starting at 10am on Thursday.
The resort's reopening is contingent on the cyclone's proximity to the coast, with a possible restart expected on Monday.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to produce significant and powerful waves and winds along the Queensland coast from Townsville to K'Gari, previously known as Fraser Island, this weekend.
Waves are expected to reach heights of over three meters along the coast, prompting a hazardous warning for water activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing.
It is predicted to reach its peak strength as a category four by Friday morning, only to subsequently decrease to a category three by the end of the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology has a high level of confidence in its forecasting models over the next 48 hours, indicating that the system will stay offshore. However, beyond that time frame, there are a variety of possible scenarios, including the cyclone potentially approaching the Queensland coast.
"At our office, we examine multiple computer simulations. However, they have not yet agreed on whether the tropical storm will stay off the coast, make landfall, or approach the shoreline," meteorologist Jonathan How stated on Thursday.
At this point, the exact course of action remains somewhat unclear.
The meteorological agency stated that the cyclone could potentially approach the Queensland coastline by Sunday, assuming its course shifts and tracks southwesterly.
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Mayor Adam Belot from the Livingstone Shire said on Wednesday it is a 'wait and see' situation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
'Forecasting cyclones always comes with some degree of uncertainty, but this is a timely reminder for residents to stay informed and prepared,' Mr. Belot said.
Our council and disaster management team are closely watching the situation and staying in close contact with the BOM to ensure our community has access to reliable and current information.
'Don't worry, but it's a good idea to take some basic precautions to be prepared.'
Livingston Shire Local Disaster Coordinator Greg Abbott stated the significance of utilizing time effectively to review emergency preparedness measures.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to examine their emergency kits and discuss their emergency plans with their family," Mr. Abbotts stated.
Residents should take preliminary steps to safeguard their homes and families by securing loose items, clearing gutters, and making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of severe weather.
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