CYCLONE ALFRED EXPLAINER: Where it will hit and what you need to know

Northern NSW is already feeling the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to hit on Saturday. These are the areas that are on notice.

Ahead of its expected arrival on Friday, Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused trouble in northern NSW with wild winds and hazardous surf inundating low-lying areas.

Currently a severe weather warning is in place for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands for heavy and locally intense rainfall and damaging locally destructive winds.

This will affect Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Evans Head, Yamba, Urbenville, Kyogle, Lismore, Tabulam, Jackadgery, Grafton, Nymboida, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads and Ebor.

Speaking on Sky News on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the situation was “very serious” and that people were “rightly concerned”.

Here is everything you need to know about how Alfred will affect NSW residents.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

What is likely to happen?

According to the Bureau of Meteorology there are ‘damaging’ wind gusts around 120km/h between Coolangatta and Ballina. This will include northeastern NSW coastal and island communities between Double Island Point and Grafton later on Thursday and Friday.

Residents from the QLD-NSW border down to Grafton are warned to ‘immediately’ secure boats and property.

Thomas Hinterdorfer of Higgins Storm Chasing said the effects of the cyclone may be felt 24 hours or more before landfall.

How fast is Alfred moving and will its strength change?

Alfred is currently moving slowly; it is tracking west-southwest at 10km/h and is forecast to stay a category 2 until the centre starts to interact with the coast and islands.

When will Cyclone Alfred make landfall in NSW?

Current predictions are for Alfred to hit the coast early on Saturday.

Cyclone Alfred's path as of Thursday morning. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Which regions will be affected?

NSW will be affected from the QLD state border to Grafton (not including Grafton). Conditions may change rapidly.

The exact path of the cyclone will become clearer about six hours before landfall, Mr Hinterdorfer told The Courier-Mail– affected residents are advised to seek shelter from this time.

What intensity is Cyclone Alfred?

At the time of publication the cyclone was classified by the Bureau of Meteorology as category 2.

This means:

• Typical wind gusts are 125-164km/h
• Maximum mean wind speed is 89-117km/h
• Winds are considered ‘destructive’
• Minor damage to homes
• Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans
• Heavy damage to crops
• Risk of power failure
• Small craft may break moorings

Where to find sandbags

Sandbags are available at SES units and self-serve stations.

Those using the service must bring their own shovel.

Originally published as CYCLONE ALFRED EXPLAINER: Where it will hit and what you need to know