Approximately 300,000 households and businesses are currently experiencing power outages in Queensland, with an additional 13,000 affected in New South Wales. The restoration of power is proving challenging due to ongoing thunderstorms and significant damage to trees.
The wider Gold Coast was on a lower watch and act warning to prepare for moderate to major flooding.
Across the border, the evacuation order for the Lismore CBD was lifted today with residents advised to return home “with caution”.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for continued intense rainfall in areas such as Queensland’s Southeast Coast, southern Wide Bay, Burnett, Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Sunshine Coast. These regions are at risk of experiencing heavy rain and potential flooding.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 150 and 180mm and 24-hourly totals between 250 and 350mm are possible.
Suburban streets transformed into rivers as Alfred inundates towns
Furthermore, heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist in parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, eastern areas of the Northern Tablelands, and extending into the Northwest Slopes and Plains in New South Wales. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 100mm and 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150mm are possible.
The rain and wind gusts are expected to ease by Monday afternoon as Alfred continues to weaken and moves further inland.
More than 3000 insurance claims have already been lodged with thousands more expected as the focus of authorities now turns swiftly towards recovery.
