Cyclone Alfred moves closer to the southeast Queensland coast, emergency flood modelling has placed Morningside at high risk for flooding and storm surges, prompting urgent sandbag distribution efforts.
Morningside was severely impacted in past flooding events, with streets submerged and many homes sustaining extensive water damage. Residents who lived through that disaster are now preparing for another major weather event, with fears that flooding could reach similar or worse levels.
With Cyclone Alfred, Brisbane’s flood risk modelling places Morningside among the most vulnerable suburbs, alongside Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Rocklea, and Nudgee Beach. The slow-moving cyclone, combined with expected storm surges of up to 0.8 metres above the highest tide, could make conditions even more dangerous.
Locals are taking extra precautions, securing valuables, stocking up on emergency supplies, and sandbagging their homes well ahead of the storm. Some residents who were forced to evacuate in 2022 say they won’t take any chances this time.
Others, particularly those in low-lying streets, are closely monitoring emergency updates to decide if they need to relocate before the cyclone hits.
Unprecedented Sandbag Demand in Morningside
The demand for sandbags in Morningside and other Brisbane suburbs has surged to historic levels, with 74,000 bags distributed in just 24 hours—more than double the highest single-day total recorded during the 2022 floods. Residents have been waiting in queues for up to five hours, with many arriving at collection stations before dawn. At the Newmarket sandbag station, the line stretched for blocks, while in Darra and Morningside, locals reported supplies running out within hours.
In Morningside, a local barista set up a coffee cart for those waiting in line, offering free drinks to neighbours preparing for the storm. Community spirit has been evident as residents help each other fill and transport sandbags, sharing resources to ensure everyone gets protection.
Despite the high demand, Brisbane City Council and the State Emergency Service (SES) have been working around the clock to keep up with supply, replenishing sandbag stations throughout the day. However, officials warn that resources are limited and encourage residents to only take what they need.
Sandbag Sites as of 5 March 2025
Using the Sandbags
As a safety precaution of residents and workers, sandbag operations at all facilities will stop at 8:00 p.m. 5 March.
Council Services and Facilities Affected by Cyclone Alfred
Due to the severe weather conditions expected from Cyclone Alfred, Brisbane City Council has announced several changes to public transport, waste collection, and community services until further notice.
Transport
- All CityCat and ferry services are suspended indefinitely.
- The Story Bridge footpaths will close from 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 March.
- Bus services will be suspended from the last service on Wednesday, 5 March.
Waste Collection
- Only red-top bins will be collected on Wednesday, 5 March. Residents should not put out any other bins.
- All waste collection services will be suspended from Thursday, 6 March, due to safety concerns.
- Residents are urged to bring in and secure their bins as soon as possible.
Libraries
- All Brisbane City Council libraries will close from Thursday, 6 March.
- Pop-up library park visits and the Mobile Library service are cancelled for the week due to the cyclone.
- The Home Library Service will be suspended for the remainder of the week.
Community Halls and Recreational Facilities
- All community halls and council pools will be closed from Thursday, 6 March.
- Water play areas in playgrounds will be shut off starting 5 March.
- Council golf courses will be closed from Thursday, 6 March.
Cyclone Alfred’s Impact
Cyclone Alfred is currently tracking towards the southeast Queensland coast at 11km/h, with landfall expected on Friday morning near Brisbane’s south. Meteorologists warn that damaging winds of 130km/h or higher could cause widespread power outages, while rainfall totals of up to 700mm over three days could lead to life-threatening flash flooding.
With the Port of Brisbane closed, Brisbane Airport on high alert for flight cancellations, and Queensland Rail preparing to suspend services, the region is bracing for significant disruption. Supermarkets have been granted 24-hour restocking permissions due to ongoing panic buying, and evacuation centres are being prepared in case of emergency.
Residents are urged to stay informed through the Brisbane City Council’s emergency dashboard, Bureau of Meteorology updates, and local SES alerts. Authorities emphasise that preparedness now will make all the difference once Cyclone Alfred arrives.
Published 5-March-2025
