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As Northern NSW communities continue to anticipate the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the NSW SES is reminding the community not to be complacent.
While the speed of the cyclone has slowed down, the impacts are expected to be wide-reaching, with communities throughout the Northern Rivers being asked to prepare to evacuate and additional evacuation centres being opened.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan, expressed her gratitude to those who have started preparing to leave the area.
“I want to firstly thank community members across northern NSW for following the advice of the NSW SES in recent days. Communities are already feeling the effects of high winds, rainfall and dangerous surf, and we have seen positive actions being taken in some areas,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
“While the cyclone is yet to cross the coastline, we are anticipating major flooding in some locations and multiple evacuations. We are dealing with three natural disasters in one – gale force winds, rainfall and flooding.
“I want to stress this is not the time to sightsee or travel to the impacted areas. I know many people want to offer their assistance and help, and in time the NSW SES will ask members of the community to assist. As conditions worsen, we cannot guarantee the safety of those who choose to travel into impacted areas,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
Fifteen evacuation centres are currently open in Northern NSW. The NSW SES reminds community members who feel unsafe in their current location to stay at a family or friends or attend an evacuation centre. A full list is available on the NSW SES website.
More than 300,000 sandbags have been distributed to community members preparing their homes and businesses for the incoming severe weather.
“The NSW SES is continuing to help community members with sandbagging stations positioned across the impacted areas. We have more sandbags arriving daily to keep up to date with demand. A current list of sandbag locations is available on the NSW SES website,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
The NSW SES is asking people to download the Hazards Near Me App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
For preparedness advice and general information, call the Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) on 1800 227 228.
For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.
If you are concerned for your loved ones, please use the Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite service. This service lets family, friends and emergency services know that you are safe in the event of an emergency.
Total NSW SES Warnings: 74
Watch and Act = 36
- Prepare to Evacuate – 24
- Do not enter floodwater - 5
- Avoid the Area – 3
- Prepare to Isolate – 3
- Stay indoors – 1
Advice = 38
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234