Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 1:28 pm EDT on Thursday 6 March 2025

Flood Watch Number: 5

MAJOR RIVERINE FLOODING WITH SIGNIFICANT LOCALISED FLOODING POSSIBLE ALONG THE NORTHERN RIVERS AND MID NORTH COAST FROM LATER THURSDAY INTO THE WEEKEND

Rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred is likely to cause rapid and dangerous river rises and extensive flooding along NSW coastal rivers from the Queensland border to Port Macquarie from later Thursday through to the weekend.

The location of the heaviest rainfall and most severe flooding will depend on the track of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Heavy and locally intense rainfall is forecast to increase Thursday night and into the weekend over Northern NSW. The heaviest rainfall will be south of the Tropical Cyclone track.

Heavy rainfall has fallen across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast. Catchments in these districts are becoming wet to saturated.

Moderate to major flooding may develop from later Thursday in the Flood Watch area. Flash flooding is possible. High tides and large waves are expected to increase the flood risk and impacts in low lying coastal areas. Areas at risk will continue to be revised during the coming days.

Flood Classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Clarence River
moderate to major flooding

Orara River
moderate to major flooding

Coffs Coast

Macleay River
moderate to major flooding

Hastings River
moderate to major flooding

Camden Haven River
moderate to major flooding

Manning and Gloucester Rivers
minor flooding

A flood warning is current for the Tweed, Brunswick, Wilsons, Richmond, Bellinger, Kalang and Nambucca Rivers.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood
Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.

Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500

For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately

Rainfall and River Conditions Map