Many people across the Northern Rivers are without power this morning as Tropical Cyclone Alfred increases its impact on the region, and continues to move slowly west.
Over the last 24 hours, the NSW SES has received more than 6,300 calls and responded to more than 3,400 incidents as the system impacts the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast of NSW.
There have already been three flood rescues.
A range of evacuations were issued yesterday afternoon and throughout the night, asking impacted communities to evacuate. As the situation unfolds, more evacuations may be issued. The SES is urging people to stay up to date, and stay alert.
Check the official warnings on the NSW SES website or Hazards Near Me app for exact locations and maps. Follow the directions of emergency services and check on your neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages.
Evacuation centres are open in parts of Northern NSW – details can be found on the NSW SES website. More will follow in the coming days.
What to do
- If you are in the warning area – stay indoors. Destructive winds can cause injury and damage to property.
- Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without an official warning. Monitor rainfall in your areas and avoid travelling during heavy rain.
- People should prepare their homes for strong winds, by putting away loose items around their home, trimming trees aways from properties and not parking vehicles under trees or powerlines.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential items including medications, documents, pet food and family photos.
- Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in flood water. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.
- Raise your assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
- If you are near the beach or a coastal waterway, storm surge could cause flooding. This is dangerous. Decide now where you will evacuate to.
- Avoid camping near water and under trees as rivers and creeks could rise quickly and without much warning.
- If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.
Download the Hazards Near Me App or visit ses.nsw.gov.au to stay across the latest warnings and information.
The NSW SES is available to assist communities 24/7.
Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
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