Gold Coast Cyclone: Cyclone Alfred Updates and Safety Advice
Living on the Gold Coast, we’re no stranger to wild weather—but the recent brush with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was a powerful reminder of just how destructive these storms can be. Alfred brought heavy rain, fierce winds, serious beach erosion, and widespread power outages across the region.
That’s why it’s so important to know how to stay informed and be prepared during cyclone season. In this guide, we’ll give you the latest on ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, show you where to find trustworthy updates and warnings, and share practical tips on what to do before, during, and after a cyclone.Let’s ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your property safe when the next Gold Coast cyclone approaches.
Latest Updates on ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the Gold Coast
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left a significant mark on the Gold Coast, bringing severe weather conditions and prompting extensive recovery efforts. Here’s the latest on the situation:
Rainfall, Flooding & Storm Damage
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought days of intense rainfall across South-East Queensland, with the Gold Coast recording over 600 mm in some suburbs. The downpour triggered flash flooding, road closures, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Damaging winds over 90 km/h toppled trees, brought down powerlines, and left behind scattered roof and structural damage across the region. While most floodwaters have now receded and cleanup is underway, there’s still Flood Watch for rivers and creeks in effect.
Hazardous Surf & Coastal Erosion
Powerful swells battered the Gold Coast coastline, with waves reaching up to 10–15 metres at their peak. All beaches were closed during the worst of the weather, and extensive erosion carved out large sand cliffs along popular beaches like Palm Beach and Currumbin.
While beaches have since reopened, surf remains rough in some spots. City of Gold Coast crews and volunteers are actively working to restore eroded dunes and seawalls, aiming to have them ready for visitors by Easter.
Power Outages & Communication Blackouts
At the height of the storm, approximately 316,540 properties in Queensland were without electricity, with the Gold Coast being the hardest hit, affecting over 112,000 customers. Telecom outages also impacted mobile and internet services.
As of now, electricity and communications have been restored for the vast majority of affected residents, but isolated outages remain in some hinterland and rural pockets. Energex and Telstra crews are still working to repair remaining faults.
Assistance and Support
Residents affected by the cyclone have submitted nearly 138,000 applications for personal hardship assistance grants, with approximately 96,000 approved so far, totaling almost $18 million in aid. However, many are experiencing delays and communication issues regarding their applications. Efforts are ongoing to expedite the process and provide much-needed support to those impacted.
How to Stay Informed During a Gold Coast Cyclone
When a cyclone is approaching or active, staying updated with accurate information can make a big difference. Here’s how you can stay on top of warnings, track cyclone Gold Coast today, and know exactly what’s happening in your area:
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
Head to the BoM website or use the BoM Weather app for:
Cyclone tracking map – showing where the system is now, where it’s likely headed, and which areas are at risk.
Severe weather warnings – including alerts for damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous surf.
Rain radar forecasts – updated in real time so you can plan hour by hour.
City of Gold Coast Disaster Dashboard
Bookmark City of Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Dashboard or subscribe their alerts for:
Localised emergency alerts – tailored to specific Gold Coast suburbs.
Live flood maps – check if your area is at risk or roads are underwater.
Evacuation info and road closures – updated as the situation unfolds.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)
Bookmark QFES’s website for:
Emergency bulletins – including evacuation notices and storm safety tips.
Up-to-date threat levels – if conditions worsen or areas are declared disaster zones.
QLD State Emergency Service (SES)
Call 132 500 or visit SES’s website for:
Assistance during the event – like help with fallen trees, roof damage, or sandbag locations.
Community safety info – including how to prepare and what to do after the storm.
ABC Emergency & Local Radio
Tune into ABC Radio91.7 FM Gold Coast when phone or internet goes down. They provide:
Live weather updates straight from BoM and emergency services.
Evacuation centre info and community announcements.
On-the-ground reports from affected areas.
Energex Power Outage Updates
Access Energex Live Outage Finder map to check for current and planned outages and estimated restoration times.
View Emergency outages text view or Planned outages text view for a list of outages.
Call 24/7 Emergency line at 000 or 13 19 62 to report life threatening emergencies like fallen powerlines or shocks & tingles.
Call 24/7 hotline at 13 62 62 to report unlisted outages.
Social Media (Follow Official Accounts Only)
Follow these verified accounts for fast updates:
| Agency | X (Twitter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) | @BOM_Qld | Bureau of Meteorology |
| Qld Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) | @QldFES | Qld Fire and Emergency Services |
| City of Gold Coast | @CityofGoldCoast | City of Gold Coast |
| Energex (Power Outages) | @Energex | Energex |
| ABC Emergency | @ABCEmergency | ABC Emergency |
What to Do During a Cyclone
When a cyclone is impacting your area, your safety comes first. Whether you’re at home, out and about, or caught off guard, here’s what you need to do during a Gold Coast cyclone:
If You’re at Home
Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors—strong winds can shatter glass or send debris flying.
Close curtains or blinds to help contain broken glass if windows do break.
Turn off gas, electricity, and water at the mains if instructed by authorities.
Unplug Appliances: Disconnect all electrical appliances to avoid damage from power surges.
Move to a small, protected room (like a bathroom or hallway) if winds become extreme.
Keep your emergency kit close, including torch, radio, batteries, medications, and important documents.
Stay connected by monitoring official updates via radio, apps, or text alerts.
Follow evacuation orders: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and head to the nearest designated shelter or safe location.
Avoid These Risks
Don’t go outside during the cyclone—even if it seems calm. If you’re in the eye of the storm, winds may return suddenly from the opposite direction.
Don’t drive anywhere unless absolutely necessary. Roads may be flooded, blocked, or dangerous.
Avoid using candles—a torch is much safer, especially if there’s a gas leak or fire risk.
Don’t touch fallen powerlines or use electrical appliances if water has entered your home.
If You’re Caught Outside
Seek shelter immediately—in a sturdy building if possible. Avoid trees, powerlines, and flooded areas.
If driving, pull over somewhere safe, away from trees or power poles. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on until the storm passes.
Essential Preparation Tips for a Cyclone
Starting early gives you adequate time to gather supplies, secure your property, and make informed decisions rather than rushing at the last minute. Below are essential steps to prepare for tropical cyclones:
Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan
Evacuation Strategy: Determine whether you’ll stay at home or evacuate during a cyclone. Identify safe evacuation routes and establish a meeting point for family members. Ensure all household members are familiar with the plan and keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
Communication Plan: Designate an out-of-town contact person to relay information among separated family members if local communications are disrupted.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit containing:
Food and Water: Non-perishable food items and at least 10 liters of water per person to last 3-4 days.
Medical Supplies: First aid kit, essential medications (a two-week supply is advisable), and any necessary medical equipment.
Communication Tools: Battery-operated radio with spare batteries to stay informed during power outages.
Lighting and Power: Flashlights with extra batteries and portable chargers for electronic devices.
Personal Items: Hygiene products, protective clothing, sturdy footwear, and items for infants or pets if applicable.
Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, bank records, and other critical documents stored in a waterproof container.
Preparing for Power Outages
During a cyclone, power outages are often widespread and can last for hours or even days. Having a reliable backup power source ready means you can keep your essential appliances running, stay connected, and maintain comfort and safety until the grid is restored.
If you’re relying on traditional generators, make sure they’re serviced and topped up with fuel well in advance. Always operate them outdoors, well away from doors and windows, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
For those seeking a safer, cleaner, and more convenient alternative, battery-powered home backup generators are quickly becoming the go-to solution—especially in homes where reliability, noise levels, and ease of use matter.
One standout option is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. This powerful and versatile unit delivers 230V, 4000W of output—enough to run most of your essential home appliances.
With a 4kWh battery capacity, a single DELTA Pro 3 can meet the electricity needs of a standard household for hours, providing peace of mind during unexpected blackouts. For longer outages, you can even expand the capacity up to 12kWh, giving you extended backup without the noise or fumes of petrol generators.
One of its standout features is the ultra-fast 10ms switch-over, which keeps sensitive devices like NAS systems, home servers, or entertainment setups running smoothly during a blackout—no interruptions, no risk of damage.
The DELTA Pro 3 is also designed for convenience. It runs quietly at just 30dB under moderate loads, and its plug-and-play setup makes it incredibly easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Charging is quick, too—you can go from empty to 80% in just 50 minutes, with support for up to 7000W of super-fast charging. For even more flexibility, this solar generator supports 6 unique and 18 combo charging methods, including solar charging with up to 2600W input. That means you can pair it with EcoFlow’s solar panels to keep the battery topped up—perfect if you’re off-grid or if the outage lasts longer than expected.
It even comes with the EcoFlow app, giving you full control over your power usage and system performance right from your phone. And thanks to its wide wheels and ergonomic handle, it’s easy to move wherever you need backup power most.
Secure Your Property
Structural Maintenance: Inspect and repair your home’s roof, walls, and windows to withstand strong winds.
Outdoor Items: Trim trees and shrubs to minimize debris. Secure or store loose objects like outdoor furniture, bicycles, and tools that could become projectiles during high winds.
Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against flying debris.
Drainage Systems: Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation and potential flooding.
Conclusion
Weather on the Gold Coast can be unpredictable, and as we’ve seen with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, conditions can change rapidly. Staying informed through reliable sources like the Bureau of Meteorology and local authorities is vital. By actively preparing—securing your home, assembling an emergency kit, investing in backup power station, and knowing your evacuation plan—you can significantly reduce risks during a Gold Coast cyclone.
Remember, preparation is a continuous process. Regularly review your emergency plans, stay connected with community alerts, and support your neighbours in readiness efforts. By fostering a proactive and resilient community, we can face future cyclones with confidence and care for one another.
FAQs
How can I prepare my home for a cyclone on the Gold Coast?
To prepare your home for a cyclone on the Gold Coast, secure loose outdoor items, reinforce windows and doors with shutters or tape, and clear gutters to prevent water buildup. Store essential supplies, including food, water, and a portable power source in advance and stay updated on weather alerts for timely action.
How do I know if a cyclone is approaching the Gold Coast?
You can check if a cyclone is approaching the Gold Coast by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) website or using the BoM Weather app. They provide up-to-date cyclone tracking maps, warnings, and forecasts. The City of Gold Coast Disaster Dashboard offers local alerts and safety info. You can also follow official sources like QFES, City of Gold Coast, and ABC Emergency on social media for alerts.
What should I do if a cyclone hits while I’m at home?
Stay indoors and move to the safest part of your home, away from windows and glass doors. Keep your emergency kit nearby and use a battery-powered radio or app to follow official updates. Turn off electricity and unplug appliances if advised. Don’t go outside, even during the eye of the cyclone, as dangerous winds can return quickly. Wait for the all-clear from authorities before leaving your shelter and watch out for hazards like fallen powerlines or debris.