Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently active in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.1 Here’s what we know about the forecast:
Current Situation:
- Location: As of the latest updates, Alfred is located well offshore, approximately 950 km east-northeast of Mackay and 1000 km east-northeast of Townsville.2
- Intensity: It’s currently a Category 2 cyclone and is expected to intensify further, potentially reaching Category 3.3
- Movement: Alfred is moving slowly and is expected to turn towards the south and then south-southeast.4
Forecast:
- Short-term: Alfred is forecast to continue intensifying as it moves southeast through the northern Coral Sea today.5 There is high confidence that it will remain well off the Queensland coast until at least late in the week.
- Long-term: Beyond late in the week, the track becomes highly uncertain.6 There is a risk that it will move closer to the central Queensland coast over the weekend.7 However, some forecasts suggest it could remain further offshore.
Potential Impacts:
Even though Alfred is currently offshore, it could still bring some impacts to the Queensland coast:
- Strong winds: Coastal areas could experience gusty winds.8
- Large waves: Large waves are expected, particularly between Townsville and K’gari (Fraser Island).
- Increased rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms are possible in coastal areas.
Important Notes:
- Uncertainty: The long-term track of Alfred is uncertain, and the situation could change. It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts.
- Monitoring: The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is closely monitoring the cyclone and will issue warnings if necessary.9
Where to find updates:
- BOM Website: The official source for weather information in Australia is the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website: www.bom.gov.au10
- BOM App: You can also download the BOM Weather app for convenient access to forecasts and warnings.11
- Media: Stay tuned to local news and media for updates on the cyclone.
It’s important to stay informed and prepared, especially if you live in coastal areas of Queensland. Keep an eye on the latest forecasts and follow any advice from authorities.