I have never experienced a cyclone before. It is stressful and of course we have no idea what damage it might cause. At least we are better informed these days and today at the radio there were half hourly emergency notices from the Bureau of Meteorology.

So we have prepared. C has cleaned the gutters and picked up about 10 avocados lying on the roof from the overhanging avocado tree. We have moved items off the deck and secured furniture and bins. We have moved all flower pots to the ground. We have done a small provisory shop but resisted the temptation ( which clearly a few could not ) to buy tons of toilet paper.

Shelves are looking bare. Events, galleries, universities, theatre productions and shops have all closed. There is an eerie silence in the city as we await its arrival. Just so we are kept on our toes, sudden and strong gusts of wind howl through, cracks and doors and leaves carpet every available space.

The storm is predicted to hit Queensland’s southeast on Thursday, with Moreton Bay and Brisbane expected to lay in the centre of Alfred’s path. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has said it expects peak storm surges to occur from Thursday with Alfred to cross the coast late that day or early Friday bringing with it torrential downpours and very strong winds.

Stay safe everyone.