# Crisafulli urges residents to prepare as storm approaches – as it happened

Queensland premier **David Crisafulli** has urged residents in the path of , declaring it could be the “most significant” wind and wet weather event for the city since 1954.



Australia Zoo, which already treats native wildlife, such as these joeys and other animals that are orphaned by road accidents, dog attacks, bushfires and drought conditions, is getting ready to care for any native animals hurt by the cyclone. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The **Steve Irwin**\-founded zoo, which is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, has yet to decide if it will close its doors to visitors, but it has sought to reassure people that its hospital will remain open 24 hours a day.

In a statement, the zoo said:

> Our team is working around the clock to ensure that our beautiful animals remain comfortable and safe, spoiling them with lots of love and comfort food.
> 
> We will make the decision whether to close Australia Zoo, if required, for the safety of our animals, staff and visitors.
> 
> The Australia Zoo Wildlife hospital continues to operate 24 hours a day, and will be prepared to treat native wildlife impacted by the cyclone in the coming days.”

Updated at 24.55 EST

## SE Queensland, northern NSW airports close as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches

Airlines have had to cancel many flights as airports in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales shut ahead of .

Gold Coast airport will close from 4PM local time today.

Ballina airport flights have also been suspended.

Coffs Harbour airport flights will cease from midnight tonight.

It is unclear when the airports will reopen for flights.

Brisbane and Sunshine Coast airports remains open.



Australia Zoo, which already treats native wildlife, such as these joeys and other animals that are orphaned by road accidents, dog attacks, bushfires and drought conditions, is getting ready to care for any native animals hurt by the cyclone. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

**Donna Gates** said residents should be safe in their homes and plan for power outages from 6pm on Wednesday.

She said that over the course of the next two or three days the area is expecting as much as 800mm of rain. While the cyclone is classified at the upper end of category two, wind gusts of a category three strength could occur.

> We’ve tried to prepare everyone so that they do understand that this looks like the most significant event in our city in terms of destructive winds and heavy rain that we’ve seen since 1954.”

Updated at 23.42 EST

## The Acting Gold Coast Mayor Warns of the Most Significant Storm Event Since 1954

The Acting Gold Coast mayor has warned residents to take seriously the threat posed by , declaring it could be the “most significant” wind and wet weather event for the city since 1954.



Australia Zoo, which already treats native wildlife, such as these joeys and other animals that are orphaned by road accidents, dog attacks, bushfires and drought conditions, is getting ready to care for any native animals hurt by the cyclone. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

**Donna Gates** said residents should be safe in their homes and plan for power outages from 6pm on Wednesday.

She said that over the course of the next two or three days the area is expecting as much as 800mm of rain. While the cyclone is classified at the upper end of category two, wind gusts of a category three strength could occur.

> We’ve tried to prepare everyone so that they do understand that this looks like the most significant event in our city in terms of destructive winds and heavy rain that we’ve seen since 1954.”

Updated at 23.42 EST

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