SES issues emergency warnings for people in low lying communities as Alfred closes in

TROPICAL Cyclone Alfred has triggered evacuations across Northern NSW, with the State Emergency Service (SES) warning of dangerous flooding and rapid river rises.

Alfred was initially set to arrive on Thursday night but stalled in recent days, adding extra anxiety to millions of people.

“What we need to do is to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Friday.

“We absolutely need to prepare for the worst.”

“We should not think that slower means better. As it is over warmer waters (it has) the potential to increase the intensity of it.”

 

 

NSW’s Cape Byron has copped winds up to 120km/h while Gold Coast airport recorded 100km/h gusts.

Heavy rain has lashed communities and triggered flooding, with 48-hour totals of more than 400mm recorded in northern NSW and up to 250mm in Queensland’s southeast

“Unfortunately the northern river systems of NSW are already on their way to major flooding,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Sarah Scully said.

More 43,000 homes are without power across northern NSW due largely to flying debris.

“We continue to urge the community to plan for power outages lasting a week or more,” an Energex spokesperson said.

 

 

Thousands of people spent their first night in refuge centres across the region after being forced to evacuate with more expected to be asked to flee on Friday.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” NSW Premier Chris Minns told ABC North Coast Breakfast.

“This is incredibly traumatic for a community who has gone through so much.”

Evacuation orders

On Thursday night, the SES ordered residents in low-lying areas — including Uki, Lismore CBD, East Lismore, North Lismore, South Lismore, low-lying parts of Kyogle and Coraki, Tumbulgum, Billinudgel, Bungawalbin, Fingal Head, North Shore (Port Macquarie), and Settlement Point — to evacuate before 9pm.

“If you’re in an evacuation area, staying could mean being trapped without power, water, or essential services,” an SES spokesperson said.

“Please shelter in a safe place and avoid venturing out. It may be too dangerous for us to rescue you.”

 

 

Deputy Premier Prue Car said significant flooding had already occurred, with a high potential for more.

“We know that there is a significant amount of anxiety in the community as we wait for this,” she said.

The NSW SES has responded to over 1100 incidents in the past 24 including multiple rescues due to flash flooding.

More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel have been deployed to the region, where 23 emergency warnings are in place and 17 evacuation centres are operating.

North Coast Minister Rose Jackson said evacuation centers were open to all.

“I want to reassure people that if you need somewhere to stay, the evacuation centres are open, and they are there to welcome you during this event,” Jackson said.

“It is incredibly important that people listen to the advice of emergency services.

“Know where to access that information and are checking it regularly.

“This is not the time to go for a swim or a surf.

“This is not the time to go for an unnecessary drive.

“I think the community of the Northern Rivers is a really wonderful, strong, resilient community, but understandably this is a really difficult time.”

 

 

Cyclone Alfred’s Impact

As of early Friday, the category two system was about 180 kilometres off the Gold Coast and is expected to maintain its strength as it makes landfall.

More than a million sandbags have been distributed across Queensland, with coastal cities bracing for up to 400mm of rainfall, strong winds, and waves as high as 12 metres.

More than 1,000 schools across the impacted region have shut, along with public transport, elective surgeries, and non-critical

government services.

Major airports in Brisbane and the Gold Coast are also closed, with flights cancelled at multiple regional airfields.

“We cannot guarantee a boat for every house in the flood evacuation zone,” Minns said.

 

SES Cyclone Safety Tips

Stay Indoors:

Follow Hazard Watch advice and remain inside.

SES crews will not operate on roofs or use tarps during cyclonic winds.

Chainsaw operations are suspended due to safety risks.

If your roof is leaking, gather belongings and cover them with a tarp.

Stay Alert:

Flying debris poses a serious danger.

Powerlines are down across the region. Essential Energy will begin repairs when

conditions allow.

Fallen trees may block roads and property access.

Road Safety:

Obey all road closure signs and emergency service instructions.

Never drive, walk, ride, or swim in floodwaters—it’s dangerous and can void your car insurance. If it’s flooded, forget it!

Stay Connected:

If mobile networks fail, tune in to your local ABC radio station for updates: reception.abc.net.au.

Emergency Contacts:

For flood, storm, or tsunami assistance, call NSW SES: 132 500.

In alife-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

– WITH AAP