Gold Coasters urged to take shelter as TC Alfred approaches
Published on 07 March 2025
Gold Coasters are being urged to take shelter now as weather conditions continue to deteriorate and Tropical Cyclone Alfred inches closer to the city.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is now expected to cross the coast on Saturday, 8 March around 12pm.
Damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h are occurring now and destructive wind gusts of up to 155km/h are expected from late Friday afternoon.
These damaging winds will continue to knock down trees, powerlines, and could blow roofs off, meaning anyone outside is not safe.
More than 39,000 people have lost power across the city.
Phone, internet and water may stop working for a long period of time.
We ask everyone to avoid the roads unless essential. If you must drive, take care and drive to the conditions. Remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.
City of Gold Coast and its partner agencies are currently monitoring situations and responded to impacts from TC Alfred if it is safe to do so.
We expect significant damage to infrastructure and trees in the coming days and we appreciate everyone’s patience while our crews carry out works as required.
Already, the City has received approximately 285 incident reports, mostly for fallen trees, the SES has received 348 requests for assistance and Queensland Police have received around 60 requests.
There are more than 60 road closures current due to fallen trees and localised flooding and this number will increase in coming days.
The City asks anyone to report damage to trees, roads or sewerage and water infrastructure via Report a problem or the City of Gold Coast App.
If you see a fallen powerline, report it immediately by calling Energex. Do not touch a fallen powerline directly or with another object.
All residents and visitors are urged to check the Flood Risk Mapping which shows the most likely scenario, which was updated today, Friday 7 March.
If your own home is not suitable, sheltering with family or friends is always the best option if possible.
The City has three evacuation centres open as a last resort.
Anyone attending an evacuation centre should ensure they have basic toiletries, medication, personal identification and other documents, a change of clothes, sleeping bag or blanket, water bottle, towel, snacks and light meals, games and toys for their kids, and charges and power banks.
Please be aware that electricity and Wi-Fi access may not be available at the evacuation centres.
You can bring your pets with you, but they will be kept in a separate location and cared for by Animal Management.
All beaches are closed. Stay away from the beach and waterways.
The City is experiencing hazardous surf conditions, with abnormally high tides and it dangerous to be on the beach.
Queensland Police have rescued several people who have been swept off rocks or beaches by the storm surge.
The following City facilities are closed until at least Monday 10 March:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Sporting venues not being used as evacuation centres
- All aquatic centres
- All libraries
- Community centres that are not being used for evacuation centres
- All customer service centres
- Waste and Recycling Centres and landfills
Waste collection is also suspended across the City until Monday 10 March.
- Do not put your bins out, secure them safely.
- We will return on your next scheduled collection date.
- We will be locating skip bins in areas that missed their collections due to TC Alfred when it’s safe to do so, as an option for excess waste.
Support services are available if you need to talk to someone about the social impacts of natural disasters, on 13 11 14 or visit Support services for natural disasters
We urge everyone to stay up to date by visiting the City’s Disaster and Emergency Dashboard at dashboard.cityofgoldcoast.com.au.