Cyclone Alfred Weakens as Landfall on Queensland Coast Becomes Unlikely

The severe tropical cyclone has been downgraded and is forecast to remain offshore, though hazardous coastal conditions persist.

Cyclone Alfred briefly intensified to a category four system but has since been downgraded to category three, with further weakening expected over the weekend.
The storm is currently situated approximately 750-830 kilometers northeast of Queensland's coast, generating wind gusts of up to 220-230 km/h at its center.
Forecasts indicate Alfred will likely track southward and remain offshore, with landfall becoming increasingly unlikely according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Hazardous conditions, including gale-force winds, powerful swells up to three meters, and hazardous surf, are affecting the Queensland coast from Townsville to K'gari Island, with impacts expected to extend to the Sunshine and Gold Coasts by the weekend.
Authorities and residents have been urged to remain cautious, with evacuations already occurring on Great Keppel Island and preparations underway along vulnerable coastal areas.