Cyclone Alfred: Prepare now alert for Northern NSW

Northern Rivers residents have been urged to have evacuation kits prepared as tropical cyclone Alfred makes its way towards the coast.

NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Superintendent Scott McLennan addresses the media on cyclone Alfred's expected impact on northern NSW from an SES base in Goonellabah.

Authorities are preparing for a deluge of rain, five to eight metre coastal waves and furious winds with gusts up to 125km/h as tropical cyclone Alfred edges closer to southeast Queensland and the northern New South Wales coast.

Alfred is currently a category 1 cyclone but is expected to intensify to a category 2 cyclone throughout Monday night.

It is likely to maintain a category 2 intensity as it approaches the southeast Queensland coast late on Thursday, March 6.

Severe coastal hazards, including abnormally high tides and hazardous surf, are expected to continue over northeastern New South Wales, deteriorating further as Alfred begins to move towards the coast from Tuesday onwards.

A large and powerful to potentially damaging easterly swell is forecast to extend to the coast on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred projection, Bureau of Meteorology March 3, 2025.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said additional flood rescue and storm operators from around the state are being deployed to support local SES teams across the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers.

“We have also sent communication equipment, support personnel, aviation resources and specialised vehicles ahead of the forecasted impacts later this week,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.

“Moderate to major riverine flooding and flash flooding is possible which could close roads, inundate properties and lead to evacuations in some parts of the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast from Wednesday through to at least the weekend,” Ms Hogan said.

Damaging surf and elevated sea levels are likely from Tuesday to Friday for Byron, Coffs and the wider Mid-North Coast, with wave heights ranging between five to eight metres.

Coastal erosion is likely and may reach as far south as Seal Rocks.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Gales with damaging wind gusts to 120km/h are expected to develop along northeastern New South Wales coastal and island communities between the Queensland border and Grafton during Wednesday.

Heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding south of the system centre is also likely as Alfred crosses the coast late on Thursday.

Coastal areas are expected to cop significant storm surge issues and the risk of coastal erosion remains high.

NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Superintendent Scott McLennan addresses the media on cyclone Alfred's expected impact on northern NSW from an SES base in Goonellabah.

NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Scott McLennan said the cyclone is a “rare event” for northern NSW, noting the region will see coastal erosion from Monday due the intense wind gusts, increasing as the cyclone draws closer to land.

“All our river catchments are now on flood watch, which is really a preparation tool the Bureau uses to ensure all our visitors, residents, farmers and businesses have four days or more to prepare,” Mr McLennan said.

The following catchments have been urged to start preparing for damaging wind gusts, heavy to locally intense rainfall, and severe coastal hazards such as abnormally high tides and hazardous surf: Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Nimbin, Lismore, Lennox Head, Ballina, Casino, Woodburn, Maclean and Yamba.

NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Superintendent Scott McLennan addresses the media on cyclone Alfred's expected impact on northern NSW from an SES base in Goonellabah.

Mr McLennan said the region will likely see significant rainfall starting from Wednesday, with daily totals more than 100mm across the region.

“Some of those totals could be 300mm on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday,” he said.

“Catchments include Tweed, Richmond, Wilsons, Clarence, the Orara, Brunswick river and Marshalls Creek, Coffs Coast – Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, Nambucca River, Macleay River, Hastings River, and Camden Haven River.”

Mr McLennan said authorities are prepared and currently conducting a “range of different activities” throughout Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public preparedness and safety.

“Some of these catchments will see moderate flooding this week.

“Take the time today, Monday, to ensure you have enough medicines, that you don’t need to travel on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and that you are prepared to move if we ask you to.”

In preparing for cyclone Alfred, the state emergency service (SES) recommends tying down any loose items around your home such as trampolines, pot plants, or outside furniture so they do not become missiles.

They also urge homeowners to seek assistance to clear any gutters or drains so that any rain that does fall can escape quickly as possible.

History of Lismore flood events graph showing flood heights and flood types.

For Lismore residents, sandbags, sand and shovels will be available in these locations from 3pm Monday: Lismore Workers Golf Club, Barham Street, East Lismore and Nesbitt Street Park, Casino Street, South Lismore.

For those with mobility or transport limitations, please call 132 500 for assistance.