UPDATED 5 MARCH 2025, 8:00PM

Where is the safest place to take shelter?

The safest thing to do over the next 48 hours is to stay home. Even if conditions seem calm, they can change rapidly, making travel or being outdoors extremely dangerous.

Taking shelter in your home:

• A small, windowless room like a bathroom, laundry, or pantry.

• A hallway or built-in wardrobe, away from windows and external doors.

• The most solid corner of your house, furthest from the wind direction.

• If you have to, take cover under a mattress, heavy table, or sturdy furniture for extra protection. 

• Stay indoors and avoid going outside for last-minute preparations, photos, or videos. Flying debris, falling branches, and sudden wind gusts can be extremely dangerous. Even a brief step outside puts you at risk, and emergency services may not be able to assist if conditions worsen. 

I rely on home oxygen, what should I do if the power goes out during the cyclone?

If you rely on home oxygen, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of power outages during a cyclone. 

• If Home Oxygen Services are unavailable during the cyclone event, and oxygen cylinder refills are needed, please contact your oxygen supplier directly for assistance.

• Ensure you have enough portable oxygen cylinders to last at least 48-72 hours. Keep them in an easily accessible location. If your oxygen concentrator relies on power, consider having a battery-operated backup or a portable generator available to power it if needed.

• If you don't have a back up plan, contact your healthcare provider now to discuss a plan to ensure you have enough supplies.

• Reach out to your electricity provider to notify them of your medical needs, as they may be able to prioritise restoring power to your home during an outage.

• Always call 000 for health  emergencies.

• Check out this link for more information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/prescribe/oxygen

What should I do with my car if I don’t have a garage or carport?

• Ask friends or family if they have a spare parking spot. If that’s not an option, reach out to your local shopping centre or centre management to see if parking there is allowed. With most people staying indoors over the next 48 hours, there should be spots available.

• Park your car on higher ground and make arrangements now to avoid being on the roads in dangerous conditions.

• Keeping roads clear is crucial for emergency services to respond and assist those in need over the next 2-3 days.

Will public transport services be affected?

• From Thursday 6 March until further notice, all services in South East Queensland will be cancelled.

Where do I find tips on preparing for my pets, and what about wildlife?

Pets

• Get Ready Queensland partnered with the RSPCA in 2023 to create a Pet Emergency Plan, a valuable resource to help pet owners prepare for disasters. It covers everything from evacuation plans to keeping pets calm during severe weather. 

• If you haven’t already, now is the time to check it out and make sure your furry friends are included in your emergency plans.

Wildlife

• Cyclones can affect wildlife through strong winds, storm surges, and flooding. Animals may become displaced as they move to safer areas or may suffer injuries.

• If you come across stranded  or injured native wildlife, please contact the RSPCA at 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for immediate guidance on how to help.

• There are volunteer wildlife organisations that operate in South East Queesland servicing most regions. If you're stuck, try a quick Google search for your local wildlife rescue hotline.

When will we know if Evacuation Centres are activated?

• Some councils have already shared information about opening evacuation centres on their disaster dashboards.

• For those councils that haven't yet promoted evacuation centres, they will be actively working on identifying the safest locations. These centres will be set up in areas that remain unaffected by the event, which is why details may not be available ahead of time. 

• Stay informed by checking your local council's disaster dashboard and official channels for the latest updates.

Why are we being told to fill up our bathtubs?

• Our mates up in North Queensland have been doing this for years. Filling up the bathtub  now while the tap water is still safe to drink and running is what we are recommending. That way, you can keep the essentials going, like flushing the toilet, boiling water for a cuppa, or even having a bird bath if the water gets cut off.

• If you don't have a bathtub, or it's unsafe to fill up the tub when you have kids - fill up sinks and buckets instead.

Should I tape up my windows?

• If you're in the BoM warning area (indicated by orange shading on the Cyclone Track Map), we encourage people to make preparatory arrangements. Instead of taping an X on your windows, which can create dangerous shards of glass if the window breaks, we recommend taping plastic sheeting along the inside frame of your windows. This can help prevent wind-driven rain from getting in. If you're in the direct path of the cyclone, it's best to board up your windows for added protection.

• If boarding up your windows seems excessive, or it's too late to do, we recommend deciding now where the safest place in your home to shelter, such as an interior room away from windows or areas prone to debris.

When will we know if schools are closed?

• At 10:45am on 5 March 2025, Premier David Crisafulli announced that schools in South East Queensland will be closed on Thursday and Friday (6-7 March 2025).  To see if your school is included, please check out the school closures list. 

• For school closure updates, visit closures.qld.edu.au 

• For your family's safety, consider making an early decision about keeping your kids home. Information on student absences due to natural disasters and emergencies can be found at closures.qld.edu.au

What is a storm surge, and will I be impacted?

Emergency crews are doorknocking in at-risk areas across Sunshine Coast, Moreton and the Redlands bay areas.

• Storm Surge Definition:

  • Abnormal rise in sea level during a storm or cyclone, driven primarily by strong winds pushing water onshore.

• Potential Impacts:

  • Significant coastal flooding.

  • Affects low-lying coastal areas, estuaries, bays, and communities with vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

• Event Rarity & Impact:

  • Uncommon for a tropical cyclone of this strength to impact southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

  • Could represent a significant, high-impact weather event.

• Warning Area:

  • Includes all South East Queensland Coastal and Northern NSW areas.

• Links for guidance on getting prepared for cyclones and storm surges: 

  • Bureau of Meteorology - Storm Surge Expained

  • Get Ready Queensland - Cyclones and Storm Surge

  • Business Storm Surge Preparations

Struggling to find stock at your supermarket?

• Supermarket Updates: 

  • Local supermarkets are closely monitoring supply and demand and working to replenish stock despite potential delivery challenges. If Cyclone Alfred causes any disruptions, they will resume restocking promptly after the event.

• Community Responsibility: 

  • Please assess your needs and avoid excessive buying to ensure equitable access for everyone.

• Isolated Communities: 

  • Flooding can isolate communities, but emergency resupply is available through your local council to ensure access to essentials like food, milk, medical, and hygiene supplies if you're cut off for several days.

• Resources:

  • Check out this brochure for details on how to request a resupply: https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/resupply-flood-isolated-properties.

Where can elderly parents, grandparents, or neighbours get support if they need to evacuate?

Here are some tips to support elderly individuals during a disaster, along with key contact numbers:

• Stay Informed: Keep them updated with reliable information from trusted sources like the Bureau of Meteorology, Emergency Services and Council Disaster Dashboards, as they may not be aware of the latest developments.

• Plan for evacuation: 

  • Ensure they know where the nearest evacuation centre is and how to get there. Arrange transport if needed.

  • Contact Community Recovery if additional planning is needed or short term accomodation is required.

• Check on neighbours: Offer to check on them regularly, especially if they have mobility or health challenges.

• Limit Exposure to stressful news: Keep the news at a manageable level to reduce anxiety.

• Helpful Contact Numbers:

  • Community Recovery Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1800 173 349 for information and support.

  • Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline: Available from 8am to 8pm at 1800 116 671 for specialist disaster counselling.

Is there any support for the homeless?

The Department of Housing and Public Works’ Critical Response Team (CRT) is conducting outreach alongside funded specialist homelessness services to known homelessness hotspots to provide people with information, advice, and access to safer accommodation.

Anyone requiring access to housing please call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

What should I do to prepare my home for a cyclone or severe storm?

• Secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and loose objects to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.

• Inspect your roof for damage, clear gutters, and seal any gaps around windows and doors.

• Park your vehicle in a safe, covered location well before the weather worsens.

• Move valuable and electrical items to higher ground to protect them from potential flooding.

• Use sandbags to protect entry points prone to flooding, and store extra sandbags in a sheltered spot.

• Apply plastic sheeting to the inside of windows and seal the edges with tape to help reduce wind-driven rain entering your home.

• Fill your bathtub or a bucket with water to keep essentials running, like flushing the toilet if the water supply is disrupted.

• For more details on preparing your home, visit Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather.

There’s plenty of advice on social media, but how do I know what’s most effective for preparing my windows?

When preparing your windows for a cyclone, avoid taping an "X" across them. While this may seem like a protective measure, it can actually create larger shards of glass if the window breaks, making it more dangerous. Instead, tape plastic sheeting or strong adhesive tape along the edges of the window, securing it to the frame. This can help minimise the impact of wind-driven rain. To reduce the chances of the glass shattering - if possible, board up windows, close your curtains or shutters for better protection. Always prioritise safety by staying indoors and taking shelter away from windows.

What items should I include in my emergency kit for severe weather events?

• Stock up on water, non-perishable food, and essential medications.

  • Use what you have – Check your pantry and freezer for meals you can put together with existing supplies.

  • Get creative with non-perishables – Canned goods, pasta, rice, and dried beans can go a long way.

  • Long-life options – UHT milk, powdered milk, and canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans) are great backups.

  • Frozen meals – Cook and freeze meals in advance to have ready-to-go options if stores are inaccessible.

  • Local alternatives – If supermarkets are closed, check local corner stores, bakeries, or petrol stations for supplies.

  • Medication planning – Ensure you have at least a week's supply of essential medications in case of delays.

  • Water supply – Fill containers or drink bottles with tap water ahead of time for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.

• Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio.

• Include personal hygiene items like toiletries, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.

• Don't forget baby supplies, pet food, and prescription medications.

• Prepare a separate emergency kit for pets, including food, water, and any necessary medications.

• Download and print the Emergency Kit Checklist for a full list of essentials.

I own a business, how should I prepare for the cyclone?

• Get advice on how to manage your business before, during and after cyclones at business.qld.gov.au

• Queensland Government is urging Queensland employers and workers to prioritise health and safety during storm/cyclone events, and the recovery period.

• Encourage your employees to make a plan now if they haven't already. 

As a building manager, how should I prepare the residents and workers in the building I manage?

Tips for Building Managers to Prepare:

• Car Park Flooding: Ensure residents know if the car park floods. If so, ask them to move vehicles to higher ground or another location.

• Balcony Items: Remind residents to bring in or secure items from balconies to prevent them from becoming hazards.

• Generator Location: Check the generator’s location and ensure it’s not at risk of flooding. Take action to protect it if needed.

• Vulnerable Residents: Reach out to elderly residents or those with disabilities to confirm evacuation plans if lifts are shut down.

• Emergency Contacts: Ensure residents have updated emergency contact details and access to building communications.

• Emergency Supplies: Check emergency supplies (first-aid kits, torches, etc.) and review evacuation routes with residents. 

• Print Posters: Put posters in the lifts with key messaging and updates for the duration of the cyclone event.

I have health conditions, how should I prepare?

Queensland Health advises that hospitals and emergency departments are operating as usual.

• Virtual emergency care is available online or by phone.

• Ensure prescriptions for essential medications are up to date.

• Your emergency kit should have at least seven days’ worth of medical supplies.

• Include first aid items, medications, prescriptions, infant supplies, sanitary products, thermometers, and chargers for medical devices.

• Power outages can affect medical devices—charge them now and have spare batteries ready.

• Store medications that require refrigeration in cold bags if power is lost.

• Discard perishable food left above 5°C for more than four hours.

• Avoid contact with floodwater—it can cause infections. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, especially if you have cuts or wounds.

I am a tourist and am visiting Queensland, where can I find information?

• Visitors should check Get Ready Queensland's visitor safety tips for guidance on what to do, who to call, and where to go during severe weather.

What is a tropical cyclone?

• Tropical cyclones (TCs) are low-pressure systems that develop over the warm oceans off the northern coasts of Australia. TCs can produce very strong winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The severity of a TC is described using a five-category system based on the strongest wind speeds near the centre of the cyclone.

What are the wind speeds for each cyclone cateogry?

Maximum wind speeds decrease as the eye of the cyclone moves inland. Generally, the wind speeds near the eye drop as the cyclone travels inland and wind speeds are reduced further from the eye.

What kind of damage can be expected from a tropical cyclone?

Cyclones can cause significant damage, including severe winds that may cause structural damage to homes and buildings. Properties that are older, poorly maintained, or in exposed positions are at greater risk. Common types of damage include:

• Roofs blown away

• Damage to verandahs and roofs due to rot or termite-affected timber

• Failure of inadequately secured gutters and eaves

• Wind-driven rain entering buildings through vents, under flashings, or through windows and sliding doors

• Broken doors and windows caused by wind-borne debris

• Garage doors being blown in or out

Coastal properties may also experience damage from waves, debris, and soil erosion, exposing building foundations.

What is the difference between a cyclone, storm surge, and storm tide?

A cyclone is a powerful weather system with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can cause significant damage. A storm surge is a rise in water levels along the coast due to strong winds and low pressure. A storm tide combines the storm surge with normal tidal movements. The most dangerous impacts occur when the storm surge coincides with a high tide.

How much notice will be provided ahead of a tropical cyclone?

The Bureau of Meteorology will issue a Tropical Cyclone Advice when a tropical cyclone is likely to cause  gale-force winds or stronger within the next 48 hours. This lets people know when and how they may be affected. 

This includes:

• a Tropical Cyclone Watch, updated every 6 hours when gales are expected to start within 24–48 hours.

• a Tropical Cyclone Warning, every 3 hours when gales are expected within 24 hours or already happening.

What should I do if a tropical cyclone is approaching?

Stay informed and follow official warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and local authorities. Have an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit, and know your evacuation routes. Trust only reliable sources for updates and avoid rumours.

How can I receive severe weather alerts in Queensland?

For official weather updates, visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s Severe Weather Warnings page.  You can also check your local council’s disaster dashboard through the Get Ready Queensland website for local alerts and information.  

During an emergency, where can I locate up-to-date information?

For the latest updates during a disaster, visit During a Disaster.