Residents in parts of northern NSW and southeastern Queensland are being warned to brace for Cyclone Alfred, an intense weather system that will cause heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging winds. NSW Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Wassing said the cyclone bore the potential to be a “very dangerous weather system” that as destructive as the flood disaster of March 2022.
Emergency officials are urging people to stay informed about the warnings and precautions as predictions call for severe weather. Wassing had advised people who live in high-threat areas to download the Hazards Near Me app for real-time updates.
“For anyone in coastal regions, if you live in beachfront areas, you know what your highest tides tend to be. We expect them to be around half a metre higher than that,” warned Wassing. “Depending on who you are and where you live these high tides could send water into your houses.”
Four flood watch warnings were issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for Thursday, with major riverine flooding expected along the northern rivers and mid-north coast of NSW. One of the 13 river catchments forecast to see moderate-to-major flooding is the Wilsons River at Lismore, which has seen major flooding in the past.
The Commonwealth will providing funding through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to assist with the ongoing costs of running operations, emergency repairs and rebuilding existing vital public infrastructure impacted by the cyclone.
The federal minister for emergency management, Jenny McAllister, said it was important for people to prepare, calling on them to understand the risks in their areas and take precautions.
“We are working closely with Crisafulli government and local councils to ensure that we are as prepared for this event as we can be,” McAllister said.
Ann Leahy, Queensland’s Minister for Disaster Recovery, assured communities the government was focused on quick action.
“There will not be any daylight between when a storm makes landfall and when recovery efforts are being initiated,” Leahy said. “We are working with councils in partnership, and this funding will support their preparations immensely.”
“Prior moderate and major flood stage have inundated entire neighborhoods, isolated properties, and required thousands of the local community to evacuate,” Wassing said.
Information and inquiry centers opened to the public Wednesday afternoon to offer preparedness advice. Residents are advised to call 1800 227 228 for advice.
Those needing flood or storm assistance can call the NSW SES on 132 500, and life-threatening emergencies can be reported to Triple Zero (000) immediately.
—What the affected regions will be most concerned about:
Volunteer members of the local SES, with first responders and community groups, are preparing for possible rescue and assistance efforts. At the same time, disaster relief centers and temporary shelters are also being set up to accommodate residents who may need to evacuate.
“Preparedness is key,” the commissioner, Wassing, added. “By acting early, we can all help minimize the risks and protect the health of families and communities.”
With Australian cities increasingly vulnerable to devastating extreme weather events, enhancing the resilience and preparedness of communities for disasters remains an urgent priority for both policy makers and the public. For now, Cyclone Alfred’s path is the focus of attention as emergency teams and locals prepare for its impact.
Emergency officials are urging people to stay informed about the warnings and precautions as predictions call for severe weather. Wassing had advised people who live in high-threat areas to download the Hazards Near Me app for real-time updates.
Cyclone Alfred: A Triple Threat
Speaking on Wednesday, Commissioner Wassing emphasized the multiple dangers posed by Cyclone Alfred, calling it “three natural disasters in one,” with powerful winds, heavy rain and significant flooding.“For anyone in coastal regions, if you live in beachfront areas, you know what your highest tides tend to be. We expect them to be around half a metre higher than that,” warned Wassing. “Depending on who you are and where you live these high tides could send water into your houses.”
Four flood watch warnings were issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for Thursday, with major riverine flooding expected along the northern rivers and mid-north coast of NSW. One of the 13 river catchments forecast to see moderate-to-major flooding is the Wilsons River at Lismore, which has seen major flooding in the past.
Plans for Government and Responding to Emergencies
The federal government and state government are working to contain the damage and keep the public safe. More than 100 schools in NSW have been shut in regions likely to be hardest hit, and in Queensland 12 councils in the southeast have made arrangements for disaster assistance support to be established.The Commonwealth will providing funding through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to assist with the ongoing costs of running operations, emergency repairs and rebuilding existing vital public infrastructure impacted by the cyclone.
The federal minister for emergency management, Jenny McAllister, said it was important for people to prepare, calling on them to understand the risks in their areas and take precautions.
“We are working closely with Crisafulli government and local councils to ensure that we are as prepared for this event as we can be,” McAllister said.
Ann Leahy, Queensland’s Minister for Disaster Recovery, assured communities the government was focused on quick action.
“There will not be any daylight between when a storm makes landfall and when recovery efforts are being initiated,” Leahy said. “We are working with councils in partnership, and this funding will support their preparations immensely.”
Updates for Residents: Prepare for the Worst
Officials are strongly urging people living in flood-prone areas to be prepared to evacuate, if necessary. NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is working with its emergency service partners to ensure the safety of the community, especially vulnerable people.“Prior moderate and major flood stage have inundated entire neighborhoods, isolated properties, and required thousands of the local community to evacuate,” Wassing said.
Information and inquiry centers opened to the public Wednesday afternoon to offer preparedness advice. Residents are advised to call 1800 227 228 for advice.
Those needing flood or storm assistance can call the NSW SES on 132 500, and life-threatening emergencies can be reported to Triple Zero (000) immediately.
How Cyclone Alfred Could Affect the Region
Meteorologists continue to track Cyclone Alfred’s trajectory and intensity. If the system continues to intensify before landfall, the impacts could be even worse than currently predicted.—What the affected regions will be most concerned about:
- Severe Flooding: Widespread flooding from heavy rainfall may isolate areas by inundating roads and making it difficult to reach services.
- Coastal Erosion and Storm Surges: Sea85957nt Charleston's Effects on Beachfront Properties and Low-Lying Coastal Communities.
- Power Outages and Damage to Infrastructure: Strong winds and flash flooding could cause serious power outages and damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
How to Stay Safe
Residents in cyclone-hit areas are urged by authorities to observe the following precautions:- Be Updated – Visit BOM, NSW SES and your local government websites for any changes.
- Hold your House – Tie down parts So you can safely store outdoor furniture, trim trees, and stock up on emergency supplies (food, water, medication, flashlights)
- Have an evacuation plan in place where you know the safe routes and be prepared to leave immediately if there is an evacuation order.
- Never Drive Through Floodwaters – Never try to drive over flooded roads; only six inches of rushing water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors and Family Members — For elderly residents, individuals with disabilities and those who've been living alone, check whether they have heard about safety precautions.
Volunteer members of the local SES, with first responders and community groups, are preparing for possible rescue and assistance efforts. At the same time, disaster relief centers and temporary shelters are also being set up to accommodate residents who may need to evacuate.
“Preparedness is key,” the commissioner, Wassing, added. “By acting early, we can all help minimize the risks and protect the health of families and communities.”
Looking Ahead: Recovery Efforts
While the immediate emphasis is on preparedness and response, the longer-term recovery will be important once the cyclone is gone. This commitment applies to both state and local governments as well, which are all in the process of pledging relief assistance and resources for affected communities to return to rebuilding their homes, businesses, and infrastructure.With Australian cities increasingly vulnerable to devastating extreme weather events, enhancing the resilience and preparedness of communities for disasters remains an urgent priority for both policy makers and the public. For now, Cyclone Alfred’s path is the focus of attention as emergency teams and locals prepare for its impact.
