Major Australian airport closed as cyclone arrives

One of Australia's busiest airports has been closed for at least two days as the east coast of the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, described as a "once in 50 years event". 

Brisbane Airport's domestic and terminals international terminals were not accepting flights after Thursday afternoon (local time) but was to remain open for stranded passengers and essential airport workers who need shelter. 

An update from Qantas Group also stated Qantas and Jetstar flights would be suspended with international operations to stop running until at least midday on Saturday. 

The category two cyclone is expected to make landfall somewhere between the Sunshine Coast and Coolangatta late on Friday or early Saturday. 

The latest weather forecast suggests the cyclone will likely make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta.

“If the system crosses at high tide, there is the risk of seeing storm surges up to 1.5 metres, particularly around the Redland bay area and the Gold Coast,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Matthew Collopy told local media. 

"Heavy to locally intense rainfall is expected across Queensland’s south-east from later on Thursday until “at least Saturday”.

Up to 700 millimetres of rain is expected, with authorities telling everyone in the cyclone zone to “pray for the best but prepare for the worst”.

Schools and many businesses are closed and major sports events have been cancelled and many smaller airports shuttered. 

Tiny town to show its resilience

The tiny Gippsland hilltop community of Mirboo North is bouncing back after the disastrous storm that hit the town in February.

The town's resilience will be on show when the Mirboo North Winterfest is held across the weekend of August 3-4.

The storm saw thousands of trees lost, the local pool destroyed and the Strzelecki Ranges community was without power for over a week and more than 30 families are still unable to live in their homes.

The Winterfest has grown into a major event on the Gippsland calendar as a celebration of food, arts and culture to brighten darkest winter days.

Launched in 2022 as a reimagining of the town’s long-running Arty Gras event, the 2024 festivities kick off on August 3 with food and drink stalls in Baromi Park from 4pm, serving throughout the afternoon and evening.

Stars of the Gippsland drinks scene in Sailors Grave Brewing, Gurneys Cider and South Gippsland Gin Co, will be slinging drinks alongside a bevy of food trucks.

Events will include drumming and dance workshops, a lantern parade and live music from Ally Row.

From 8:45pm on Saturday night the Mirboo North Shire Hall will be hopping to a music from Skazz - who blend ska and jazz.

The Sunday will showcase an Artisans Market from 9am-2pm and there will once again be live music and food stalls.

# Mirboo North Winterfest is a Mirboo Country Development Inc (MCDI) event, supported by Regional Development Victoria, Events Gippsland, South Gippsland Shire Council, Mirboo North and District Community Foundation and the Community Bank Mirboo North & District.

Mirboo North is 150km east of Melbourne and has a population of around 1700.

 

See https://www.mirboonorthwinterfest.com.au/

Image: NIcky Cawood

British Isles lashed by winter storms

This week is probably not the best time to be visiting the UK.

Parts of the British isles have been brought to a standstill by Storm Isha with flights, trains and other transport in disarray, Travel Mole reports.

The storm has battered regions across parts of Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, grounding many flights.

One flight bound for Ireland had to divert hundreds of kilometres to Paris and a flight from Tenerife in Spain to Edinburgh, Scotland, was diverted to Cologne in Germany.

ITV reported that five people and thousands were left without power - and all rail services in Scotland were halted.

Gales reached over 160kph in places after wind warnings were issued by the Met Office.

"Danger to life" amber warnings were posted around the country on a ‘wild night’ on Sunday while parts of north Scotland had more severe red warnings.

Most offshore ferry services in Scotland were cancelled on Monday while huge waves battered coastal towns almost the entire length of the country.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro) warned of possible tornados in England and Wales on Sunday night but the risk later abated.

“Due to adverse weather conditions across the UK, temporary air traffic restrictions are in place," National Air Transport Safety officials said. "Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety.

“Our teams are working closely with airports and airlines to minimise disruption. Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.”

Several flights were cancelled at London Heathrow and residents were warned that Storm Isha was set to be followed by another winter storm: Storm Jocelyn. 

Image: ITV