Sunshine Coast Council's Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has escalated the Tropical Cyclone Alfred warning to STAND UP status and is advising residents to PREPARE NOW and brace for severe weather.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is forecasting rain and storms across the Sunshine Coast. The region may see rainfall totals of 600mm over the next 76 hours.
As the lead agency, Sunshine Coast Council's Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) in Nambour has been activated with all key disaster and emergency agencies working together as a united front.
What we're expecting
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised severe coastal hazards are likely for southern Queensland.
TC Alfred has weakened to a category 1 system but could strengthen again when it's expected to make landfall Thursday or Friday this week.
Heavy to locally intense rainfall is forecast as Alfred approaches the coast and in the days following. We expect our most significant impact to occur Thursday and Friday.
A large and powerful and potentially damaging easterly swell, as well as abnormally high tides, will occur on exposed southern Queensland beaches.
Surf Life Saving Queensland has closed all beaches in the region.
Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Coordinator Jason Membrey said the current TC Alfred weather system had the potential to create periods of heavy rainfall and localised flooding.
"While Pelican Waters and Golden Beach remain a priority, as an LDCC we are ensuring we have a region wide approach to planning," Mr Membrey said.
"We are already seeing erosion along our coastline, including some impacts to Bribie Island.
"We are also seeing large surf and dangerous beach conditions, with most beaches closed today.
"I also ask for the community to stay away from water courses as fast-moving waters can be incredibly treacherous.
"People around canal homes are asked to secure all items and boats. Check your anchorage and stay off your vessels.
"Council and emergency services will remain at a Stand-Up status until the weather system moves away from the coast."
Mr Membrey is urging the community to access weather warnings and road closures at Council's Disaster Hub.
"You'll find important, up-to-date information and links to key emergency services in one location, including weather warnings, road closures, evacuation centres, airport updates, traffic cameras and flood mapping," Mr Membrey said.
"Considering the possible impacts of severe weather in advance can certainly prevent unnecessary risk and help keep everyone safe."
What you need to do
Check or make an emergency kit
- Find out how to get ready for a tropical cyclone and pack an emergency kit at the Get Ready Queensland website (Get Prepared).
- Fill up containers and the bath with clean water for drinking in case the water supply is cut off.
SES sandbag locations
You can collect them or fill sandbags yourself. Sandbags are a simple and effective way to help reduce the impact of flooding and protect your property.
Depots and locations offering sandbags 8am-8pm:
- SES Depot Caloundra: Ulm Street South, Caloundra
- Caloundra Rugby Union Football Club (Lighthouse Park): 81 Arthur Street, Caloundra
- Maroochydore-Hinterland Lawn Bowls Club: Corner of Elizabeth Daniels Way and Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim
- Coolum Depot: 27 Elizabeth Street, Coolum Beach
- Nambour SES Depot: 38-70 Woombye Palmwoods Road, Woombye
Should the SES need to escalate in Nambour, they will move to the showgrounds.
