Cyclone Alfred Weakens but Continues to Pose Coastal Threat to Queensland

The severe system is forecast to remain offshore but brings hazardous surf, high tides, and strong winds to the region.

Cyclone Alfred was downgraded to a category three storm on Saturday after briefly intensifying to category four earlier in the week.
The cyclone is currently located approximately 600-750 kilometers off the Queensland coast, moving south at a slow pace.
Hazardous conditions, including damaging surf, high tides, and strong winds, are impacting coastal areas from Townsville to the Gold Coast, prompting warnings for beach closures and potential coastal flooding.
Authorities and emergency services are urging residents to prepare for possible power outages, flooding, and erosion, while sandbagging stations have been set up in vulnerable areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the cyclone will continue moving southeast, staying offshore through next week, though its exact trajectory remains uncertain.