‘They should all be fined’: Reckless thrill-seekers spark outrage as Cyclone Alfred hits
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Extreme weather events can be both awe-inspiring and dangerous, drawing thrill-seekers despite the risks.
As a powerful cyclone barreled toward Australia’s east coast, authorities ramped up preparations.
However, not everyone heeded the warnings.
A group of people on the Gold Coast faced backlash after getting dangerously close to cyclone-driven waves that nearly swept them into the ocean.
They had gathered on Currumbin Rock to witness the massive surf when a towering wave crashed over them, almost dragging them into the rough waters.
The incident occurred as the eastern seaboard, from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast down to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, was being battered by enormous swells.
Despite warnings, thrill-seekers continued to put themselves in harm’s way, sparking frustration from many who criticised their reckless behaviour.
‘They should all be fined for putting their own and others lives at risk,’ one person wrote.
‘Very stupid people who put other rescuers’ lives at risk,’ another commented.
‘I can't be the only one who has no sympathy for fools right? I mean, accidents happen but things like this defy the right to remain within the gene pool,’ a third person said.
‘Are people that stupid, if they fall in they will need rescuing putting more peoples lives at risk, grow some brains,’ another added.
Authorities increased preparations across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales ahead of the cyclone’s expected landfall.
By 6 March morning, the storm was about 365 kilometres east of Brisbane, with meteorologists warning conditions would rapidly deteriorate.
Jonathan How, a meteorologist, said impacts would ‘ramp up quite significantly’ by 6 March night, bringing ‘destructive winds, intense rainfall leading to life-threatening flash flooding and a dangerous storm site causing coastal inundation of some of those low-lying suburbs.’
He added that dangerous conditions would persist for hours before landfall and that Tropical Cyclone Alfred was expected to weaken into a category one system by 7 March before being downgraded to a tropical low over the weekend.
‘This part of Australia is used to seeing severe thunderstorms in the spring and summer, and these, of course, can bring bursts of heavy rainfall and damaging to destructive winds,’ he said.
‘The difference, though, with a tropical cyclone is that wind and rain are sustained over many hours and this can cause significant damage to property and vegetation and, of course, cause life-threatening flash flooding.’
In Brisbane, around 20,000 properties were considered at risk of flooding, prompting officials to urge residents to prepare for possible evacuations.
Here are key updates on Cyclone Alfred including school closures, transport disruptions, and severe weather warnings.
School Closures
Queensland: More than 660 state schools shut.
NSW: Around 220 state schools closed, along with Catholic and independent schools in affected regions.
Transport Disruptions
Trains: Queensland Rail’s suburban train network and Gold Coast trams suspended.
Buses: All south-east Queensland bus services cancelled.
Ferries: CityCats services halted earlier in the week.
Roads: Closures expected as conditions worsen.
Flights: Brisbane Airport remained open, but most flights scheduled after 3:00 pm on Thursday were cancelled.
What to Expect
Winds: Gusts of up to 120km/h, with some coastal areas facing speeds as high as 155km/h by Thursday night.
Storm Surge: Dangerous storm tides and high water levels could lead to coastal erosion and flooding.
Rainfall: Intense rainfall expected, with a significant risk of flash flooding near and south of the cyclone’s centre.
Residents in affected areas were urged to remain alert and take precautions as the severe weather intensified.
For the latest official updates on the cyclone and its potential impact, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation with crucial information.
Watch the full update in the video below.
With thrill-seekers ignoring warnings and putting themselves in danger, should authorities impose harsher penalties for reckless behaviour during extreme weather?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As a powerful cyclone barreled toward Australia’s east coast, authorities ramped up preparations.
However, not everyone heeded the warnings.
A group of people on the Gold Coast faced backlash after getting dangerously close to cyclone-driven waves that nearly swept them into the ocean.
They had gathered on Currumbin Rock to witness the massive surf when a towering wave crashed over them, almost dragging them into the rough waters.
The incident occurred as the eastern seaboard, from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast down to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, was being battered by enormous swells.
Reckless beachgoers nearly swept away by waves. Image source: Daniel Shaw
Despite warnings, thrill-seekers continued to put themselves in harm’s way, sparking frustration from many who criticised their reckless behaviour.
‘They should all be fined for putting their own and others lives at risk,’ one person wrote.
‘Very stupid people who put other rescuers’ lives at risk,’ another commented.
‘I can't be the only one who has no sympathy for fools right? I mean, accidents happen but things like this defy the right to remain within the gene pool,’ a third person said.
‘Are people that stupid, if they fall in they will need rescuing putting more peoples lives at risk, grow some brains,’ another added.
Authorities increased preparations across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales ahead of the cyclone’s expected landfall.
By 6 March morning, the storm was about 365 kilometres east of Brisbane, with meteorologists warning conditions would rapidly deteriorate.
Jonathan How, a meteorologist, said impacts would ‘ramp up quite significantly’ by 6 March night, bringing ‘destructive winds, intense rainfall leading to life-threatening flash flooding and a dangerous storm site causing coastal inundation of some of those low-lying suburbs.’
He added that dangerous conditions would persist for hours before landfall and that Tropical Cyclone Alfred was expected to weaken into a category one system by 7 March before being downgraded to a tropical low over the weekend.
‘This part of Australia is used to seeing severe thunderstorms in the spring and summer, and these, of course, can bring bursts of heavy rainfall and damaging to destructive winds,’ he said.
‘The difference, though, with a tropical cyclone is that wind and rain are sustained over many hours and this can cause significant damage to property and vegetation and, of course, cause life-threatening flash flooding.’
In Brisbane, around 20,000 properties were considered at risk of flooding, prompting officials to urge residents to prepare for possible evacuations.
Here are key updates on Cyclone Alfred including school closures, transport disruptions, and severe weather warnings.
School Closures
Queensland: More than 660 state schools shut.
NSW: Around 220 state schools closed, along with Catholic and independent schools in affected regions.
Transport Disruptions
Trains: Queensland Rail’s suburban train network and Gold Coast trams suspended.
Buses: All south-east Queensland bus services cancelled.
Ferries: CityCats services halted earlier in the week.
Roads: Closures expected as conditions worsen.
Flights: Brisbane Airport remained open, but most flights scheduled after 3:00 pm on Thursday were cancelled.
What to Expect
Winds: Gusts of up to 120km/h, with some coastal areas facing speeds as high as 155km/h by Thursday night.
Storm Surge: Dangerous storm tides and high water levels could lead to coastal erosion and flooding.
Rainfall: Intense rainfall expected, with a significant risk of flash flooding near and south of the cyclone’s centre.
Residents in affected areas were urged to remain alert and take precautions as the severe weather intensified.
For the latest official updates on the cyclone and its potential impact, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation with crucial information.
Watch the full update in the video below.
With thrill-seekers ignoring warnings and putting themselves in danger, should authorities impose harsher penalties for reckless behaviour during extreme weather?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
