Schools will be closed tomorrow and the Defence Force has been mobilised to assist with sandbagging as over a million people prepare to be hit by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The NSW SES is advising people in Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Yamba, Maclean,
Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo to ‘Prepare Now’ for forecast heavy rainfall, intense rainfall, damaging winds, destructive winds, and destructive wind gusts.
Heavy and even intense rainfall and damaging winds are expected all over the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast, with the Bureau of Meteorology now predicting up to 200ml of rain and flash flooding on Thursday and potentially continuing into Friday.
The NSW SES is leading the response and working with other emergency services and government agencies to get ready for the cyclone which is expected to cross the Queensland coast later this week.
The NSW SES will be able to draw from thousands of volunteers with support from flood rescue trained emergency service personnel across NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Marine Rescue NSW. All are equipped with flood response and wider capabilities.
The NSW Government and Queensland government have moved to close schools tomorrow, and Anthony Albanese has called in the defence force to assist with sandbagging after chaos broke out at some sites on the Gold Coast unable to keep up with demand.
“This has the potential to be a serious weather event. Over the coming days, we expect to see strong winds continue, followed by intense and heavy rainfall,” Commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Services Mike Wassing said.
“NSW SES crews and emergency service partners are prepositioned across the region to respond to incidents as they arise.
“Assets including communication equipment, high clearance vehicles, aircraft, and support personnel have been prepositioned across Northern NSW.
“NSW SES is facilitating community meetings in towns across the impacted areas to ensure residents are aware of the risks, forecasts and how to prepare.”
Farmers from the Tweed and Northern Rivers down to the Mid North Coast have also been preparing for damaging winds, high tides and heavy rainfall in the coming days, NSW Farmers Far North Coast branch chair Craig Huf said.
“Farmers are good at preparation, and up here farmers on the floodplain who have been able to install flood mounds are now putting them to good use. But anyone who hasn’t done so already should be putting their plans into action – tie things down, move your gear to higher ground – because it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Mr Huf said.
“I know many of us in rural communities are happy to lend a hand, and authorities are on standby to respond and support, so please reach out for help if you need it.
“For farmers, the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services have a variety of information on their websites and social media channels to help you prepare.”
The NSW SES advised people to download the Hazards Near Me app, which included the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
If you need assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.
Farmers who need assistance through the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline should call 1800 814 647.
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