Live cyclone blog Thursday March 6: Updates as they happen

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date through the night below. From 6am in the morning, however, we’ll be launching a new Friday blog.

Find it here: FRIDAY BLOG – THE WIND AND RAIN ARRIVES

8.10pm: Power outages

Power lines are still down, causing blackouts to almost 300 homes at Logan Village.

Energex is aiming to have power back on by 10.30pm.

8pm, Flood update:

Latest flood warning updates at 7.30pm tonight show an initial Major Flood Warning for the Logan and Albert Rivers.

Rainfall in catchment areas has been light over the past 24 hours, but that is expected to change quickly, and a number of areas are expected to become isolated as rivers rise.

We’ll stay on top of water levels all day tomorrow. At present, all areas along both rivers are below minor flood levels.

7.50pm: BoM update

As it did last night, Alfred has slowed, currently travelling at 6km/hr, albeit still blowing wind at 95km/hr, and gusts of 130km/hr.

For those tracking the distance off the coast, it’s 215km east northeast of the Gold Coast, and 225 east of Brisbane.

It’s travelling west northwest, currently category 2 expected to remain of similar intensity until the centre starts to interact with the coast and islands. The centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast Friday night or early Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta.

6.35pm: Flights

Qantas and Jetstar said earlier today they’d be abandoning flights. And the last Virgin flight left Brisbane at 4pm.

Now what?

Virgin says you still need to keep up to date with flight status on the website if you’ve got a flight this week.

If you want to change the flight, they’ll do it within 14 days if available. If you want a refund, they’ll give you a flight voucher valid for a month.

Guests on cancelled flights “as a result of the cyclone will be able to rebook onto the next available Virgin Australia service.”

5.55pm: Last drinks

Last drinks at Club Beenleigh were at 5pm today. Like most venues, they’ll be monitoring the outcome of Alfred to determine when they reopen.

5.49pm: No more sandbags

No sandbags will be available on Friday, even if the weather is fine, says mayor Jon Raven.

“We are managing sand supplies so we have more available if needed after the wind and rain event,” he said.

“This week we have supplied 2500t and 180,000 sandbags.”

5.30pm: Emergency apps

These apps can come in handy.

Make sure you download them from the Google Play or App store before Alfred hits.

Emergency+

The Emergency+ app allows users to share their GPS location with emergency services, helping responders reach them faster. It also provides quick-dial options for the SES (132 500) and Police Assistance Line (13 14 44).

Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Weather App

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology app delivers real-time forecasts, warnings, and weather updates.

SES Assistance QLD

The SES Assistance QLD app connects users with Queensland’s State Emergency Service for help during storms and floods.

Red Cross First Aid

This app serves as a pocket guide to essential first aid and CPR techniques, offering up-to-date emergency response advice that could save lives.

ABC Radio App

The ABC Radio app provides access to emergency broadcasts.

Red Cross – Register.Find.Reunite

When activated, this online service allows people to check in and let loved ones know they are safe during an emergency.

It can be accessed via the Red Cross website or at evacuation centres.

5.08pm: BoM update

Tropical cyclone Alfred continues to track towards the southeast Queensland coast.

As of 4.00pm, Alfred remains a Category 2 system, with sustained winds near the centre of 95 km/h and gusts reaching 130 km/h.

The cyclone was last located about 225 km east of Brisbane and 210 km east-northeast of the Gold Coast, moving west-northwest at 8 km/h.

Alfred is expected to maintain its intensity before interacting with the coast and nearby islands.

The system is forecast to make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta Friday night or early Saturday morning.

5.00pm: Kerbside collection in Yarrabilba

Cr Nathan St Ledger has issued a call for residents to bring in any kerbside items that could become dangerous in strong winds.

“I can’t stress enough: if you currently have kerbside items out, please bring them in and secure them ASAP,” Cr St Ledger said.

“I know it’s inconvenient and not ideal, but unsecured items can become dangerous projectiles.”

With Alfred posing risks across Logan, Cr St Ledger is encouraging everyone to do their part.

“Let’s all work together to keep our community safe,” he said.

4.55pm: Power outage Greenbank

There have been reports of a power outage in Greenbank and New Beith.

No official word from Energex as of yet.

4.06pm: National news updates

National news organisations are reporting that Alfred is heading for North Stradbroke Island, and would then be moving towards Wynnum.

Weather bureau reports are saying it’s far too early to plot an accurate route, and that exact landfall locations would be known as the cyclone moved closer to the coast.

If the mapping as per News Corp do prove true however, it means Logan is in for a lot of rain over a short period of time.

Weather analysts say that if the cyclone hits north of Logan – or if we’re anywhere near the eye of the cyclone – that we’re poorly placed to receive more rain than if we were to the north of the landfall location.

4.00pm: Logan SES shares tips

When a cyclone makes landfall, essential services can be severely impacted. Here’s what you need to be prepared for:

3.52pm: Road hazards blocking lanes

There are currently two road hazards, blocking lanes at Beaudesert-Beenleigh Rd, Bannockburn, and Windsor St, Slacks Creek.

The hazards have been in place since the middle of the day.

3.45pm: Community spirit on show

When tensions had every right to be high at the sand bagging stations over the last few days, members of the community have been helping each other out.

At the Logan Metro Sports Complex, strangers held open sandbags for one another, shared shovels, and tied off bags for those struggling.

A special pile of extra bags was being put together for the elderly and disabled – never once dipping to zero as people continued to contribute.

Well done, Logan.

3.11pm: Power outages

There are already power outages to more than 500 homes in Logan – 170 at Buccan, 350 at Logan Village and a few at Waterford.

Energex is investigating the outages and expects power to be restored by 7.30pm.

3.04pm: Checking on elderly

An interesting note from Cr Scott Bannan today, sharing his mobile phone number to help check on the elderly:

3.01pm: Got solar panels? Turn them off

Some solar panel advice from Energex – treat them as live power:

NEVER climb onto the roof to check or touch the solar system or its components – if there’s any damage, the roof can be live

Treat all solar panels and cables as though they’re live and dangerous

Never touch inverters, switchboards or other electrical equipment if it’s wet, or if you’re standing in water

2.55pm: Sandbags

A quick reminder that sandbags will be available today at Beenleigh showgrounds, Logan Metro and Jimboomba – but only as long as weather conditions allow.

With heavy rain expected to start this evening, time is at a premium.

2.44pm: BoM update

Alfred has slowed down to 7km/hr, but movement is directly west, 245km directly east of Brisbane, and 230km east northeast of the Gold Coast.

It remains Category 2 with sustained winds near the centre of 95km/hr and wind gusts of 130km/hr.

Heavy rain is expected from tonight (Thursday), with the cyclone expected to hit land in the early hours of Saturday morning.

2.37pm: Emergency service checklist

Alerts and warnings resources

• Bureau of Meteorology website for weather updates, weather warning and tsunami warning information.
• Queensland Disaster Management Services website for information on preparing, Emergency Alerts issued and current information on disaster events.
• Your local council website for local emergency management plans and evacuation information, routes and your local council emergency dashboard:
• Logan City Council dashboard

2.20pm: What refuge centre ARE offering

An evacuation centre is open at the Logan Metro Sports & Events Centre (357 Browns Plains Road, Crestmead) for those in need of emergency accommodation.

The centre is providing:

• Bedding
• Toilets and showers
• Food, tea & coffee

Temporary ‘drop in’ places of refuge have been established at:

• Jimboomba’s Caddies Community Centre (19-33 South Street, Jimboomba)
• Bethania Community Centre (88-118 Station Rd, Bethania)

These are centres where residents can recharge phones or devices, grab a tea or coffee and take a break. They are not set up to accommodate overnight stays.

2.16pm: No pets allowed

It’s interesting to note that – despite welcoming homeless people – none of the three refuge centres are accepting pets.

Council points people with pets to a Queensland Government website that provides the following information:

In emergency situations, pets are often the most vulnerable members of the family.

Think about what plans you can put in place now.

Who would care for your pets if you were unable to get home?

What you would do with them if you had to evacuate?

Good questions: We’d love to hear from anyone who is looking after

2.06pm: Need bread?

This has landed in social media. Lots of bread if anyone needs it at Woollies. We understand this one was taken at Holmview.

1.59pm: RACQ pauses services

Yet another reason not to be driving around.

For the safety of Patrols and Tow Truck Operators, the RACQ will pause roadside assistance services in South East Queensland and as far west as Withcott in the Lockyer Valley from 7pm today until further notice.

“Please stay off the roads today and do not drive again until authorities advise it is safe,” a statement said.

“We will not be able to attend any callouts while Tropical Cyclone Alfred is impacting SEQ as it will be too dangerous for our operators.

“If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation or become stuck on the side of the road, please contact emergency services on 000.”

1.55pm: Rough sleepers

MyCity Logan has just received a phone call from a concerned resident who’s seen people living in cars and tents around Beenleigh and Eagleby.

There are three evacuation centres in Logan which are welcoming people to take refuge from the cyclone:

Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre will be open at 7am this morning.

Jimboomba’s Caddies Community Centre at 9-22 South St, Jimboomba.

Bethania Community Centre, 118 Station Road, Bethania.

While homeless people are unlikely to be reading this blog, it is our collective responsibility to let them know that this refuge is available – if you see someone, please take 5 minutes to tell them about their options.

1.45pm: Opening hours difficult to manage

Logan businesses are finding it difficult to manage opening hours.

Club Beenleigh is one of many venues that determined yesterday to close at 5pm this evening. They had planned to reopen Saturday, but that is likely to change – like everyone, it’s a “wait and watch” scenario.

1.02pm: Premier on verge of tears

In his latest press conference, Premier David Crisafulli was visibly moved as he recognised messages of support from all state leaders, but he made a special mention of the prime minister of New Zealand who called to wish him – and all Queenslanders – well through this potential tragedy.

12.55pm: Hospital update

Elective surgery has been postponed for the next two days at Logan Hospital and other hospitals around the southeast of the state.

Premier David Crisafulli said hospitals would be equipped to deal with the emergency, with a number of rostered staff sleeping over in order to be at work during and after the cyclone.

Mr Crisafulli said in his press conference that the government was taking the cyclone threat seriously, and implored others to do the same.

He said the government would share information as soon as they received it.

12.30pm: Chamber president message

Logan Chamber of Commerce has put a note out to businesses in the area, urging owners to tap into support channels.

“Many businesses will have closed from today onwards, many  businesses will stay open as an essential service,” president Arwen McGregor said.

“If you need to use one of these businesses, please be aware that they may be short of staff or products and patience is essential.

“After the main cyclone has passed, there will still likely be clean up and repairs happening around the city, and we as business operators will need to assess those risks in deciding what our service hours will be.

“I would like to do a hearty thank you and shout out to the volunteers looking after the community refuge centres, they are doing this on their own time and leaving their houses to be here for those in need.”

11.42am: Bin collection cancellation reminder

Logan City Council is reminding residents not to put their bins out for Friday’s cancelled collection.

Residents are also urged to bring in bins, and assist neighbours who may have forgotten or are away.

11.32am: Bom update

As of 10.00am, the cyclone is now positioned 245 km east of Brisbane and 225 km east-northeast of the Gold Coast, moving west at 10 km/h.

This marks a slight increase from overnights movement, when it was shifting at a pace of around 7 km/h.

The cyclone remains a Category 2 system and is expected to stay at this intensity until it interacts with the coast, likely making landfall early Saturday morning between Noosa and Coolangatta.

Flash flooding continues to be a major concern, especially south of the eye of the storm.

In Logan, attention will be on the impact of heavy rainfall, with potential flooding along the Albert and Logan Rivers, both of which are known flood risks.

11.18am: Logan Hospital to remain open for emergencies

Logan Hospital will remain open to provide emergency care during the expected impacts of tropical cyclone Alfred.

If you need to visit the hospital in an emergency, it is recommended that you bring any regular medications with you.

However, several services will be temporarily closed today and tomorrow due to the cyclone:

• Community health centres at Beenleigh, Browns Plains, and Logan Central will be closed all day today and Friday.
• Some non-urgent hospital appointments and surgeries will be postponed.

10.47am: Reports of kerbside collections remaining on streets

Kerbside rubbish remains on the streets in Yarrabilba after collections were suspended due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Logan City Council has urged residents to bring in uncollected items.

Council has told residents whose areas have been collected not to put out new items.

9.55am: Shopping centres adjust trading hours

Shopping centres across Logan are adjusting their trading hours.

Hyperdome Shopping Centre has closed as of 5:30 PM yesterday and will remain shut today.

Grand Plaza remains open as of now, with normal trading hours. However, Justice of the Peace services will be unavailable from 6-8 March, resuming on 11 March. Woolworths will close at 2 PM on today.

Logan City Centre will remain open for now, but Woolworths will close at 2pm today. Individual stores will decide whether to continue trading.

Chatswood Central will close from 2pm today and will remain shut until conditions allow for a safe reopening.

Cornubia Shopping Centre and Woolworths Cornubia will also close from 2pm today.

Beenleigh Marketplace will shut at 2pm today and remain closed all day Friday. Management will provide updates on reopening when possible.

Logan Central Plaza remains open at this time, though some retailers may close early. Several centre services, including JP signing, scooter and wheelchair hire, lost property, and the mall walking group, will be unavailable on 6 and 7 March.

Shoppers are advised to check with individual retailers for specific opening hours and updates.

9.30am: Sandbags available again today

Due to tropical cyclone Alfred stalling, residents can collect more sandbags today.

Self service distribution points include:

• Beenleigh Showgrounds & Logan Metro – from 9:30 am
• Jimboomba – from 10:00 am

Council advises this will continue for as long as possible today.

8am: BoM Update

A notable change in this update is the time of landfall, not expected to cross the coast until “later Friday or early Saturday”.

Alfred is now 285km away from Brisbane and 260km each northeast of the Gold Coast, traveling 7km/hr west southwest.

According to the bureau report, we’re no closer to knowing exactly where landfall will be, still between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.

7.20am: Schools/public transport

If you’ve woken habitually, ready to send the kids off to school … don’t. Or if you’re planning to get a train to the city for some reason … don’t.

School is cancelled today and tomorrow, as is public transport. At this stage, the reopening of public transport is a “wait and watch” while school is still planned to resume Monday.

6.55am: Shopping centre times

Just a reminder that opening times for shopping centres will vary today.

We can tell you that Park Ridge Town Centre and Springwood Mall will both close at 2pm today, while Rochedale Village will close 11am. That includes Coles and Woolworths.

Beenleigh Marketplace will close 2pm.

Browns Plains Plaza, Hyperdome, Logan Central Plaza and Logan City Centre have not advised of closing times, but we’ll let you know when we find out.

6.49am: Yesterday’s wrap up

If you didn’t see our live coverage yesterday, or would like to revisit a stack of information, you’ll find it HERE.

6.43am: Places of refuge

There are three evacuation centres set up in Logan:

Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre will be open at 7am this morning.

Jimboomba’s Caddies Community Centre at 9-22 South St, Jimboomba.

Bethania Community Centre, 118 Station Road, Bethania.

The centres will be open to anyone who is homeless, or is facing unlivable conditions. Everyone else is urged to stay in their homes.

6.15am: BoM update

We kick off this morning by seeing exactly where Alfred has ventured overnight.

The cyclone currently hovers off the coast, a little closer than it was last night – now 325km east of Brisbane and 300km east of the Gold Coast, moving west southwest at a relatively slow 7km/hr. Yesterday it was moving at around 16km/hr.

There is, however, no relief when it comes to the cyclone’s intensity. It remains a category 2 and isn’t expected to change before it hits land, still most likely between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.

Heavy Rainfall: Flash flooding remains the greatest concern, although in Logan attention will be on the impact heavy and intense rainfall has on the Albert and Logan Rivers which are a noted flood risk.

Wind gusts: There are currently wind gusts along the south-western edge of the cyclone from Coolangatta to Ballina, up to 120km/hr. Coastal communities could experience gusts of 155km/hr during the height of the cyclone.

High tide: Coastal communities are seeing erosion and minor flooding as a result of high tides. A dangerous storm tide is likely, particularly if the cyclone crosses land at high tide.

6am: Good morning

There’s a saying about the calm before the storm. And that’s exactly what most of us are waking up to this morning – barely a breeze, birds chirping, leaves on trees still.

As the day progresses, that will change. And we’ll be here to guide everyone through the mass of information as it arrives. We’ll tell you what we know, when we know it. And importantly, we’ll verify all the information to ensure you’re getting a reliable view, void of rumour and inuendo, sans misinformation and disinformation.

MyCity Logan – your most trusted source of Logan news. And always free.

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