Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Northern Rivers and parts of Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:15 pm Friday, 7 March 2025.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING TO DESTRUCTIVE WINDS EXPECTED OVER THE NORTHEAST.

Weather Situation: Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to move slowly to the west and is expected to make landfall along the southeast Queensland coast during Saturday morning before moving inland during the weekend. Heavy rainfall and damaging winds will extend well to the south of the centre of the system over parts of the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is developing about parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers and is expected to become more widespread through the warning area east of Tenterfield from this evening and into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 130 mm are likely, increasing to around 200 mm about the Border Ranges. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 150 and 250 mm are likely, increasing to between 300 and 350 mm about the Border Ranges.

In the same areas, locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING may develop from this evening and continue into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 200 and 250 mm and 24-hour totals between 350 and 450 mm are possible, particularly north of Grafton. All rainfall numbers are dependent on the movement and position of the system.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts to 120 km/h are occurring over the coastal fringe of northeastern New South Wales north of Yamba, and about the Border Ranges. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are also possible across parts of the Northern Tablelands, and more broadly throughout the warning area during Friday evening and Saturday with showers and thunderstorms.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS in excess of 125 km/h are possible with showers and thunderstorms over the coastal fringe north of Ballina this evening and Saturday morning.

A Tropical Cyclone Advice and Forecast Track Map is current for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

A Coastal Hazard Warning and Hazardous Surf Warning is current.

A Flood Watch and Flood Warnings are current for New South Wales.

For these products, please refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Tenterfield, Yamba, Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo.

102 mm was recorded at Bentley (Back Creek) in the 6 hours to 2:18 pm.

100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) at 1:43 am.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.