Parts of Australia face a threat of transport disruption and “severe coastal hazards” as a cyclone approaches parts of the east coast.
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales from tomorrow (Wednesday).
The alert warned that Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to bring adverse weather to the region.
“This could result in localised flash flooding and severe coastal hazards which could lead to transport disruption and power outages,” the notice said.
Brisbane City Council cautioned that Alfred will “potentially produce damaging or destructive wind gusts and isolated heavy rainfall which may cause flash flooding, from late Wednesday through until the weekend”.
New South Wales State Emergency Service assistant commissioner Dean Storey said: “The impacts of the cyclone may be felt from Tuesday with damaging winds, large powerful surf, coastal erosion, followed by intense and heavy rainfall from Wednesday onwards.
“If major flooding occurs, people may be asked to evacuate their homes.
“We are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that if you are asked to evacuate you have a plan for yourselves, your families and your pets and know where you will go.”