Premier Chris Minns says the Northern Rivers schools have been shut for today and tomorrow; wind gusts over 100km/h recorded in Byron region. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSandbag queues ‘about an hour’ in Brisbane – WellsThe federal sports minister, Anika Wells, also spoke on the Today Show this morning from Brisbane and said it was the “calm before the storm”.At the moment that’s the shortest it’s been in 24 hours. It’s a big couple of days ahead for south-east Queensland. We’re more than up to the task, but everybody’s doing their bit.So everyone’s doing their bit and we thank them for it.We know that there’s going to be damaging winds, there is going to be powerful surf, coastal erosion, and it will be followed by significant rain that can last a couple of days. So we’re really urging people to be alert, to be prepared, just like the SES is. Continue reading...
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching the Australian coast, prompting the deployment of the army and orders for boats to return to harbor. Thousands are without electricity in the Byron Bay region and Queensland, with waves exceeding 10 meters in the Tweed area. Flights in and out of Ballina are canceled, and numerous schools in NSW and Queensland are closed. Authorities warn residents to prepare for the worst, as the cyclone is expected to make landfall early on Friday morning.
