Tropical Cyclone Alfred forms off the coast of Queensland, Australia
Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed off the coast of Australia on February 23, 2025, strengthening from a tropical low into a category 1 tropical cyclone. The forecast suggests it would strengthen into a category 3 by midweek as it continues tracking toward the continent.
Satellite image of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 10:50 UTC on February 23, 2025
As of 16:00 AEST (06:00 UTC) on February 23, the cyclone had a minimum central pressure of 999 hPa and was located over the Coral Sea, approximately 400 km (249 miles) from Willis Island and 840 km (522 miles) east-northeast of Cairns. The system was moving eastward at 16 km/h (10 mph) as it continued strengthening offshore of the northern Queensland coast.
Alfred had a 10-minute maximum sustained wind speed of 75 km/h (47 mph), with the maximum wind radius extending to 55 km (34 miles). Three-second wind gusts reached up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
The system is expected to turn southeast and then southward during the week. However, its track remains uncertain, with a risk of it moving closer to the central Queensland coast later in the week.
Some reports suggest that the system could intensify into a Category 3 cyclone by midweek as it continues tracking toward the continent.
From Thursday, February 20, the confidence in the track decreases, with the most likely scenario taking Alfred further south through the Coral Sea well offshore from the Queensland coast. However, there is a risk it will move closer to the central Queensland coast next weekend.
References:
1 TROPICAL CYCLONE INFORMATION BULLETIN – BOM – February 23, 2025
2 TROPICAL CYCLONE TECHNICAL BULLETIN: AUSTRALIA – BOM – February 23, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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