Severe weather caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has wreaked havoc across Australia's east coast, with over 316,000 homes and businesses reported without power. The cyclone, which transitioned to a tropical low, unleashed torrential rains and damaging winds that have triggered flash flooding and widespread power outages in Queensland, particularly around the Gold Coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the continued seriousness of the situation, citing heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding in both Queensland and New South Wales.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the storm, which had been hovering off the coast as a category 2 cyclone, brought gusts of wind exceeding 107 km/h (66 mph) before weakening on its approach to the mainland. As of Sunday, the situation remains precarious, with reports of up to 230 mm (9 inches) of rain falling in just six hours in Hervey Bay, exacerbating flood conditions. Emergency services have conducted multiple rescues amid what state authorities have declared as one of the worst weather emergencies on record for the region.

No fatalities had been confirmed until reports emerged that a 61-year-old man drowned after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in northern New South Wales. Additionally, 13 soldiers from the Australian Defence Force were injured in a road accident while responding to the emergency in Lismore. Significantly, this storm has marked the first time since 1974 that a cyclone has crossed near the capital of Queensland, Brisbane.

Utility companies have advised residents in the impacted areas to brace for prolonged outages, as efforts to restore power may be hampered by continued adverse weather conditions, including rising floodwaters and damaged infrastructure. Brisbane Airport has reopened but is cautioning travelers of potential delays due to ongoing weather complications.

Queensland's officials expressed relief that the storm did not lead to higher tide inundations, which would have further complicated the disaster recovery efforts. Nonetheless, the ongoing risks from flash flooding and severe winds yet remain, prompting ongoing cautions as cleanup and recovery efforts begin across the affected regions.

For more details, visit BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.