Anxious communities are hunkering down as Cyclone Alfred rapidly makes its way towards northern NSW, as the premier urges residents to stay put.<\/p>\n
The State Emergency Service has warned all residents to remain indoors including in Lismore and Byron Bay – towns that were previously devastated by record-breaking floods three years ago.<\/p>\n
Around a dozen prepare to evacuate orders have been issued including for Ballina, Belongil and Kyogle.<\/p>\n
Underscoring the severity of the impending natural disaster, Premier Chris Minns has flown to Lismore thanking some 2000 SES volunteers who are stationed in the region.<\/p>\n
“Stay out of flood waters, stay at home during the peak of the storm – make good decisions,” he said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“We hope for the best, but we’re prepared for the worst.”<\/p>\n
The category two cyclone is expected to lash the east coast with heavy rain and wind forecast to peak on Thursday night and Friday morning.<\/p>\n
Gales with damaging wind gusts up to 120 km\/h are expected to hit island communities between Double Island Point and Grafton on Thursday and continue on Friday.<\/p>\n
Cape Byron, the easternmost point of mainland Australia, will be in the eye of the storm with dangerous storm tides and destructive winds of up to 155 km\/h predicted.<\/p>\n
Abnormally high tides and damaging surf conditions along the northern coast have also been recorded with warnings issued to avoid beaches.<\/p>\n
Major flooding at Thora and Bellingen is possible in the coming days according to the Bureau of Meteorology.<\/p>\n
Flights to Ballina have also been cancelled due to high winds.<\/p>\n