Residents of northern New South Wales are being advised to brace for a potential tropical cyclone, marking the first occurrence in over thirty years. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is projected to reach the coast on Thursday, prompting cyclone warnings to be issued from Bundaberg South to Grafton, including areas close to Yamba and Byron Bay.
Steven Bernasconi, the Manager of Hazard Preparedness at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), recalls the significant impact of Cyclone Zoe in 1974, which resulted in landslides and the evacuation of hundreds. He emphasised the unusual nature of such events in NSW, necessitating community briefings and awareness. Residents are encouraged to download the Hazards Near Me app for critical updates, while State Emergency Service (SES) flood rescue crews are already positioned to respond to emergencies.
The cyclone is expected to strengthen to a category two, with wind speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour, wave heights exceeding eight metres, and potential rainfall of up to 300mm. The last cyclone to hit New South Wales was Cyclone Nancy in 1990, while Cyclone Zoe left a lasting impact decades earlier.
Heavy rain is anticipated to begin late Wednesday, extending into the weekend, with northern regions likely to receive between 100 and 300mm of rain on Thursday and Friday. Bernasconi stressed the importance of monitoring the situation and preparing for possible adverse effects. Although tropical cyclones are rare in the area, the region often experiences severe weather from east coast lows, which can yield similar outcomes.
Flood watches are in effect for coastal river catchments, from the Tweed and Rous rivers in the north down to Camden Haven near Port Macquarie. With catchments already saturated, the risk of flooding may be intensified by high tides, as per the Bureau’s warnings. In Byron Bay, popular beaches are currently closed due to hazardous surf conditions, with lifeguards reporting waves reaching up to eight feet.
Residents and visitors alike should stay informed and take necessary precautions in anticipation of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival, as the region contends with this unusual weather event.