Deployments of additional crews from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) have begun arriving in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast as the NSW Government ramps up preparations for the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The NSW SES is leading the response and working with other emergency services and government agencies to get ready for the cyclone which is expected to cross the Queensland coast later this week.
The NSW SES will be able to draw from thousands of volunteers with support from flood rescue trained emergency service personnel across NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Marine Rescue NSW. All are equipped with flood response and wider capabilities.
Residents of the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast should prepare for damaging winds, large surf, and heavy rainfall, with impacts of the cyclone forecast to be felt from as early as today (Tuesday). Low lying areas may be at risk of coastal erosion.
From tomorrow (Wednesday) onwards predictions are for intense rain, which could lead to moderate and major flooding in many areas, with the potential to close roads, inundate properties and lead to evacuations.
The NSW SES State Command Centre has been stood up in preparation for the severe weather. As well as additional personnel, the NSW SES is prepositioning communication equipment, aviation resources and specialised vehicles ahead of the forecasted impacts of the cyclone. The deployment to date includes two helicopters, two 'Cells on Wheels' (emergency service communication hubs), two high clearance vehicles, and a Wi-Fi connectivity trailer, along with back-up generators to support telecommunications towers.
