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Cyclone Alfred may have weakened into a tropical low, but the rain hasn’t stopped. Over the past few days, I’ve been watching the skies, hoping for a break in the downpour, but it just keeps coming. Homes, businesses, and entire communities are dealing with the aftermath of what was once a powerful system. Roads are submerged, rivers are swollen, and dam levels are surging. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, from the record-breaking rainfall to the impact on local communities.
How Much Rain Fell?
The amount of rain that Cyclone Alfred dumped across affected regions has been staggering. Some areas recorded over 300mm of rain in 24 hours, leading to flash floods that caught many off guard. The heaviest downpours were concentrated in northern and eastern parts of Australia, where major rivers quickly exceeded their banks.
Rainfall Highlights:
- Townsville & Surrounding Areas: Over 350mm in some locations
- Brisbane & South-East QLD: Reports of 150-200mm in urban pockets
- Northern NSW: Heavy sustained rainfall exceeding 250mm in multiple towns
- Remote Communities: Even more isolated regions saw rain well over 400mm, straining local infrastructure
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that while Cyclone Alfred may have lost its cyclone status, the rainfall will continue for several more days due to lingering moisture and low-pressure systems Bureau of Meteorology.
Flooded Areas & Road Closures
The worst-hit areas are already experiencing severe flooding, with some communities cut off entirely. Emergency services are urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Major Flooding Zones:
- Brisbane River System: Water levels rising, with minor flooding reported in various locations
- Fitzroy River (Rockhampton): Some sections at major flood level
- Northern Rivers (NSW): Towns like Lismore and Ballina are facing repeated flood threats
- Central Queensland & Remote Towns: Numerous roads submerged, making evacuation efforts difficult
Some roads have already been washed away, and multiple vehicles are stranded on flooded roads near Brisbane. The Queensland Department of Transport continues to issue updated warnings on road closures and detours.
Dam Levels: How Much Have They Risen?
One unexpected outcome of the relentless rain is the rapid increase in dam levels. After years of fluctuating water reserves, many dams are now at or near capacity.
SEQ water website shows the current dam levels
The good news is that these full dams may help with water security, but authorities are closely monitoring to prevent uncontrolled overflows.
For information about flood levels, contact your local Council. For information about road impacts, contact Transport and Main Roads. For information about river levels, please see the Bureau of Meteorology website
Why Is the Rain Not Stopping?
Even though Alfred has weakened into a tropical low, it’s still feeding endless moisture into the atmosphere. This happens because ex-cyclones, especially those that move slowly, continue dragging in warm air from the ocean. The system may no longer have the destructive winds of a cyclone, but it still has plenty of power to dump enormous amounts of rain.
I’ve personally seen the weather patterns shift drastically over the past week—just when you think the skies might clear, another band of rain rolls in. Meteorologists warn that another 100-200mm of rain could fall in already soaked regions over the next few days.
What’s Next?
Authorities are urging caution as the rain isn’t done yet. If you live in a flood-prone area, take necessary precautions:
Safety Tips:
- Avoid Driving Through Floodwaters – If it’s flooded, forget it. Even 30cm of water can wash away a vehicle.
- Prepare an Evacuation Plan – Have an emergency kit and know where to go.
- Stay Updated – Follow official sources like the Bureau of Meteorology and SES updates.
- Secure Loose Items – High winds and rain can still cause damage.
Cyclone Alfred may not be making headlines as a full-strength storm anymore, but its aftermath is proving just as dangerous. Floods, rising dam levels, and non-stop rain are reminders of how powerful nature can be. I’ve lived through many storm seasons, but this one feels different—relentless and unpredictable.
For those affected, take care and stay safe. The rain will stop eventually, but until then, staying informed and cautious is the best thing we can do.