Northern NSW residents told to prepare as tropical cyclone edges closer to coast

Residents in the northern regions of New South Wales are being urged to prepare for a strong tropical cyclone that could strike the area for the first time in over three decades. Preparedness is key to mitigating potential damages and ensuring the safety of the community.

Cyclone "Alfred," currently located off the coast of Queensland, could hit the northern New South Wales river towns, including Lismore, which was severely flooded in 2022, with destructive gale-force winds and torrential rain. The potential impact on these vulnerable communities is a major concern.

Bureau of Meteorology's disaster preparation manager, Steven Bernasconi, said that "Alfred" is expected to make landfall sometime on Thursday. He recalled a landslide in 1974 that disrupted railway lines and forced hundreds to evacuate. "That's the kind of impact we're looking at," he said, highlighting the severity of the potential disruption.

Bernasconi emphasized: "This is unusual for New South Wales, hence the reason for this briefing. We don't normally issue tropical cyclone watches and warnings in the New South Wales jurisdiction." He advised residents to be sure to download the "Hazards Near Me" app. Emergency Mutual Aid Service flood rescue teams are already in place and ready to respond.

“Alfred” is expected to strengthen into a category two cyclone, with a maximum rating of five. It will bring a triple threat, including gale-force winds of 100 kilometers per hour, waves exceeding 8 meters, and rainfall of up to 300 millimeters. The last time New South Wales was hit by a cyclone was in 1990, when the cyclone was named "Nancy," while in 1974 it was Cyclone "Zoe."

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected to begin from late Wednesday and will continue into the weekend. Bernasconi said that the northern regions of New South Wales are expected to receive 100 to 300 millimeters of rainfall on Thursday and Friday. "The main task today is to observe and prepare," he stated, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.

While the northeast corner of New South Wales commonly experiences severe weather caused by East Coast Lows, it is not familiar with tropical cyclones. Bernasconi explained: "For New South Wales, particularly northeastern New South Wales, experiencing severe weather through East Coast Lows is well known, and East Coast Lows sometimes produce impacts similar to tropical cyclones." This distinction is important for understanding the specific risks posed by Cyclone Alfred.

Coastal river basins from the Tweed and Rous Rivers in northern New South Wales to the Camden Haven near Port Macquarie are under flood watch, with moderate to major flooding expected. The Bureau of Meteorology warned that these basins are already very wet and high tides will exacerbate the flood risk. Residents should closely monitor water levels and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

In the tourist hotspot of Byron Bay, waves are engulfing beaches. Lifeguard Scott McCarthy said that all beaches have been closed and the waves are "up to eight feet" high. The closure is a necessary precaution to protect the public from the dangerous surf conditions.