Calm before the storm: nervous Brisbane waits for Alfred’s arrival

Few would question the decision to begin daily televised information briefings five days ahead of Alfred’s predicted arrival on the coast – even if it has instigated a rush on bottled water and canned food at supermarkets. Photograph: John Crouch/AAP

Brisbane residents who lived through the devastating 2011 floods recall an “eerie calm” that set upon the city.

Back then, the city woke to sun and blue sky, but knowing the severe threat from rising flood waters was on its way. The driving rain had stopped, but the looming river peaks would cause most of the widespread damage.