Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and parts of Mid North Coast and North West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:59 am Saturday, 8 March 2025.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened but heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts are still expected over northeastern NSW during today and Sunday.

Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred lies just off the southeastern Queensland coast and is slow moving to the west-northwest, it is expected to make landfall along the coastline over the next several hours before moving inland and weakening later today. Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts 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 possible today about parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands, and is expected to increase through inland parts of the warning area during Sunday. 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 120 and 200 mm are likely, increasing to between 200 to 250 mm about the Dorrigo Range, and 200 and 300 mm about the Border Ranges. All rainfall numbers are dependent on the movement and position of the system.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible today with showers and thunderstorms about the coastal fringe north of Ballina, easing by Sunday morning. Damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h remain possible over parts of the Northern Tablelands, becoming more likely overnight into Sunday morning before easing by the early afternoon Sunday.

A Tropical Cyclone 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.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.