A recent report has revealed that buildings in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales could only endure weather conditions slightly more intense than those experienced during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.
The damage assessment, conducted by James Cook University and Natural Hazards Research Australia, highlighted potential risks including waterproofing, electricity and communication systems, and balcony pavers on high-rise buildings.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which brought winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour when it crossed the coast at Moreton Bay on March 8, was downgraded from a category two cyclone to an ex-tropical cyclone as it made landfall. Dr David Henderson, one of the report’s co-authors, emphasized that the event served as a valuable “practice run” for communities to better prepare for more severe storms in the future.
“This event is a reminder that we’ve seen similar occurrences before,” Dr Henderson explained. “The goal is for people to recognize this as a rehearsal in case a stronger cyclone hits the region.”
Balcony Pavers as Potential Hazards
One key area of concern identified in the report was the use of pedestal-mounted balcony pavers, which could become hazardous in winds exceeding 100kph. These pavers, designed to sit elevated above the floor for drainage, were found to be vulnerable to high winds because they are not securely attached to the plastic stands they rest on.
“The pavers sit on plastic stands, which is convenient for leveling and accessibility,” said Dr Henderson. “However, the winds we’ve seen have been strong enough to start lifting these pavers. If wind speeds were 20-30 kilometres per hour higher — still below the forecasted winds — we could have seen more pavers become airborne, which would be very dangerous.”
The report recommended securing the pavers in place and updating safety standards to ensure they are properly anchored to the building.
Power Supply and Waterproofing Improvements Needed
The report also noted that the power supply could be better prepared for severe weather events. It pointed out that basements might flood during storms, potentially affecting pump systems, and emphasized the need for backup power to keep lifts operational, particularly for those with mobility impairments.
Waterproofing was another area identified for improvement. The report found that many buildings in the affected zone experienced water ingress through roofs, windows, walls, and basements. It suggested using external membranes to waterproof concrete walls and revising window standards to prevent leakage during storms.
Dr Henderson explained that high winds during storms can force water through window seals and weep holes, making them less effective at draining moisture. “The design of windows with little drainage holes under the sill is meant to guide moisture out,” he said. “But when storms bring horizontal rain driven by strong winds, the water can flow back into the building instead.”
Community Preparedness
Dr Henderson praised the community for their proactive approach to preparation but highlighted the potential danger of loose items becoming projectiles in strong winds. “It was great to see people securing items on balconies and cleaning up their yards,” he said. “For a region less familiar with cyclone preparation, it was encouraging to see that people were paying attention and taking action to protect their homes and their neighbors.”
He concluded that ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred provided an opportunity to identify weaknesses in the region’s storm readiness “without too much of the community having to suffer.” He urged the community to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize damage in the event of a stronger storm.
