Cyclone Alfred triggers 265 school, 16 TAFE closures in northern NSW as storm intensifies toward Queensland coast

The NSW government has confirmed more than 265 schools and 16 TAFE campuses have been closed in Northern NSW as millions brace for impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. See if your school has made the list.

The NSW government has confirmed more than 265 schools in Northern NSW have been closed as families are urged not to send their children to class for the next three days with Tropical Cyclone Alfred in sight.

Due to potential impacts of the cyclone, including a heightened risk of flooding, 241 public schools, 29 Catholic schools, five independent schools and 16 TAFE campuses, along with two additional TAFE campuses being used as evacuation centres, are closed.

The closures are expected to impact schools from Wednesday through to Friday.

At this stage, it is expected that schools will reopen next Monday pending weather conditions.

Education Minister Prue Car said the decision was not easy, but “keeping our students and families safe must always be our top priority”.

Lismore residents bagging sand in South Lismore as northern NSW prepares for tropical cyclone Alfred.

Surfers risking it near the jetty at Coffs Harbour on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook/ Heath Stephen Werner.

“As our communities prioritise their safety and prepare for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred, we are ensuring teachers, students and school staff are not unnecessary placed in harm’s way by attending school.

“While we usually do not advocate for the closure of schools and places of learning, in these circumstances, an abundance of caution can be what keeps our community safe.”

Schools close in Tweed Heads as the community braces for heavy rain ahead. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Schools close in Tweed Heads as the community braces for heavy rain ahead. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Public schools from the Tweed to Yamba are closed today, with supervision available for parents needing to drop off their children.

Catholic schools in the region are also closed, and further closures are anticipated tomorrow as the cyclone intensifies.

A residents sandbags ahead of Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that Alfred could reach category 3 strength before landfall in South East Queensland.

Winds gusting up to 150km/h and heavy rainfall are expected, with fears of life-threatening flash flooding as the cyclone makes landfall on Friday, potentially coinciding with high tides.

Tens of thousands of residents in low-lying areas have been urged to consider evacuation, while authorities continue to assess the flood risk.

The anticipated heavy rainfall could see up to 400mm in some areas, triggering major flood risks across Queensland.

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Originally published as Cyclone Alfred triggers 265 school, 16 TAFE closures in northern NSW as storm intensifies toward Queensland coast