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Cyclone Alfred weakened to a tropical low-pressure system on Saturday as it approached Brisbane, Australia. The third-largest city is experiencing flooding rain in its coastal areas due to the weather event.
It was initially anticipated that Tropical Cyclone Alfred would be the first cyclone to cross near the Queensland capital since 1974 on Saturday.
On Friday, the cyclone was tracking westward towards Brisbane, packing sustained winds of approximately 59 mph near its center, with gusts reaching up to 81 mph.
However, by early Saturday, it had diminished to a tropical low, characterized by sustained winds below 39 mph.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted that the system would make landfall north of Brisbane, between Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast region, later on Saturday.
While cyclones are frequent occurrences in Queensland’s tropical northern regions, they are uncommon in the more temperate and densely populated southeastern part of the state, which shares a border with New South Wales.
“Even though the system has weakened and moved inland, significant rainfall and coastal surf impacts are still expected to affect southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales throughout the weekend,” the bureau stated.
Rivers in Queensland and New South Wales are experiencing rises following several days of substantial rainfall, according to the bureau. In New South Wales, 39 individuals have been rescued from floodwaters, and one man remains missing after being swept away by a river on Friday, officials reported.
More than 19,000 residents have been evacuated from vulnerable low-lying areas.
The region has experienced power outages affecting over 250,000 homes and businesses, predominantly in Gold Coast city, located south of Brisbane.
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