The first such storm has been coming for half a century

The Australian Meteorological Bureau (BOM) said that the Alfred cyclone, which has been wandering over the Pacific's waters for several days, will change the track and head towards the coasts of the country. On the night of Thursday to Friday, local time is to reach the land as a second -class phenomenon, carrying gusts of wind up to 120 kilometers per hour. Transition storm They may be accompanied by rainfall reaching 400 liters of water per square meter per day.

“The effects will be most felt in the south, where strong gusts, very heavy rain and destructive gale will occur,” said Sarah Scully from Bom. – We also expect high waves, increasing the likelihood of flooding the coast and flooding low areas.

Alfred caught special attention to meteorologists and Australian media, because according to forecasts he was to hit the land in the southern part of Queensland, near large cities of Brisbane and Gold Coast. As explained by Steve Turton from the Queensland Central University, the last tropical cyclone that landed in this region was the 1974 zoe cyclone.

“This variable trajectory is nothing new. Cyclones forming on the coral sea have the most unpredictable paths in the world” – explained the expert. – “However, it is unusual that he kept his structure and intensity even so far south, in subtropical latitudes.”

The element can be particularly dangerous because the Brisbane region is densely populated, and many of its inhabitants have never dealt with cyclones. Local authorities appealed to people to be careful and comply with the BOM recommendations, and those living in the most endangered areas – to evacuate.

“The office confirmed that the likelihood of a cyclone hitting the coast remains really high,” said the prime minister of Queensland David Crisafulli. – We ask the residents to think if they will be safe in their homes – added the politician.