A cyclone is making its way towards Australia’s southeast coast, and it has been quite a journey. Over the past week, Cyclone Alfred has taken a winding path, making it tough for weather experts to predict where it will go next. This cyclone formed in the Coral Sea near Queensland, which is known for having unpredictable storms. Meteorologists explain that high and low pressure systems in the area can push storms in different directions, causing them to move erratically.
Cyclone Alfred started to move south after forming late last month, about 1,700 kilometers north of Brisbane. Now, it is expected to reach land near Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, on Saturday. This is later than earlier predictions that suggested it would hit on Thursday or Friday.
On Tuesday, hopes that the cyclone would remain over the ocean were dashed when it made a sharp turn towards the coast due to another pressure system pulling it in. At one point, the cyclone even looped back on itself, which is unusual and shows how complicated its path has been.
Residents in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are on high alert. This region doesn’t often face direct threats from cyclones, and many are concerned about the heavy rain already falling before the storm makes landfall. The ground is already saturated, raising fears of major flooding. Additionally, the strong winds from the cyclone are causing power outages by bringing down powerlines.
As Cyclone Alfred approaches, the focus remains on safety and preparedness for the millions living in its path. The unpredictable nature of this storm has made it a challenging situation for both residents and meteorologists alike.