Australia’s southeastern coast is grappling with severe travel disruptions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a rare Category 2 storm, barrels toward the coastline. With over 200 flight cancellations and widespread delays, airports in Brisbane and Sydney are facing chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Cyclone Alfred Strikes Southeast Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe cyclone warning for a 450-500 km stretch of coastline, from Double Island Point (Queensland) to Ballina (New South Wales). Expected to make landfall on Friday, Cyclone Alfred is bringing destructive winds of up to 120 km/h, with gusts reaching 155 km/h. The storm also threatens heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flash flooding.
Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations
Several airports have shut down or scaled back operations due to safety concerns. Notably:
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport ceased operations on March 5 and 6.
- Gold Coast Airport closed its terminal by 4 PM on March 5.
- Brisbane Airport is operational but facing numerous cancellations and delays, with 194 flights canceled and 158 delayed.
- Sydney Airport is similarly impacted, with 98 cancellations and 134 delays.
Major carriers, including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, American Airlines, and Air Canada, are among those affected by the disruptions. Some airlines, including Virgin Australia, have limited their flight schedules, while others have grounded services entirely.
The Broader Impact
The cyclone’s effects are not confined to air travel. Road, rail, and ferry services in flood-prone areas are expected to face disruptions. Officials are also warning of potential power outages and infrastructure damage as Alfred moves inland.
Travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates before heading to the airport. Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to stay vigilant as Cyclone Alfred makes its way toward landfall.
For ongoing updates, travelers are advised to follow local authorities and the Bureau of Meteorology’s official channels.
The anatomy of a hurricane Picture on Wikimedia by Kelvinsong CC-BY-3.0
