Eastern Australia was hit by Cyclone Alfred, a category-two storm that caused severe weather disruptions before reaching Brisbane. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to record-breaking floods, power outages, and beach erosion. Hervey Bay saw 300 mm of rain in just eight hours – the heaviest daily rain for the region in 70 years.
Before Cyclone Alfred made landfall, some Australians took advantage of the wet and muddy conditions to enjoy the outdoors. With schools and workplaces closed, many found themselves with unexpected free time. Children, teenagers, and even adults slid down muddy hills and played in the rain, making the most of the unusual weather.
The approaching cyclone stirred up massive swells along the coast, drawing surfers eager to take advantage of the perfect wave conditions. Well-known surf spots like Kirra Beach saw waves as high as 3 m, described by some as “sandy cathedrals.” Offshore, Alfred’s intensity produced even larger waves, with one reaching 12.3 m – the tallest recorded in 38 years of measurements.
News and videos surfaced online raised concerns about safety risks, especially for those surfing in extreme conditions. Despite warnings, many enthusiasts couldn’t resist the chance to ride the rare, powerful waves.
Fortunately, Cyclone Alfred weakened into an ex-cyclone as it moved further inland. In northern New South Wales, the towns of Lismore and Grafton were relieved as the rainfall levels remained lower than expected. In Queensland, cleanup began as water levels dropped. Schools reopened, and Brisbane’s public transport resumed, bringing relief to residents.
Australians found joy in the chaos – surfing towering waves, sliding through mud, and sharing laughs in the wild weather. They stood firm, proving that even a cyclone couldn’t wash away their adventurous spirit.