Cyclone Albert 2025 updates
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Northern Rivers NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 5pm
North Lismore flooding: Evacuate before 9:00pm Thursday, 6 March 2025
Emergency Warning: The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE BEFORE 9:00pm Thu
06 Mar due to forecast cyclone related major flooding:
- North Lismore, including Lismore showground and all properties between Cusack Road, Woodlawn Road, Winterton Parade, Pitt Lane, Bridge Street, Terania Street and Dunoon Road
- Savins Road, Woodlawn
- St Johns College Woodlawn
- Pitt Lane
- Low lying parts of Pine Street
- Winterton Parade
- Woterspoon Street
- Wotherspoon Street
You must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rain fall will close evacuation routes. You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation,
Evacuation centres have been set up at:
- Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore NSW 2480
If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.
Northern Rivers NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 5.10pm
East Lismore flooding: Evacuate before 9:00 pm Thu 06 Mar
Emergency Warning: The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE BEFORE 9:00 pm Thu
06 Mar due to forecast cyclone related major flooding:
- East Lismore in the vicinity of Wade park
You must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rain fall will close evacuation routes. You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation,
Evacuation centres have been set up at:
- Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore NSW
If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.
Northern Rivers NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 5:10pm
Lismore CBD flooding: Evacuate before 9:00 pm Thu 06 Mar
Emergency Warning: The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE BEFORE 9:00 pm Thu
06 Mar due to forecast cyclone related major flooding:
- Lismore CBD and surrounds, including low lying parts of Molesworth, Coleman and Brunswick Streets near the river
You must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rain fall will close evacuation routes. You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation,
Evacuation centres have been set up at:
- Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore NSW 2480
If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.
Rous County Council update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 5pm
Northern Rivers communities, remember to prepare for water supply interruptions in the coming days. The treatment plants that ensure our water supply is safe to
drink rely on power. So power interruptions can also cause disruptions to drinking water supply.
Here's how you can prepare:
Store at least 10L of water per person – this should be enough for about 3 days. Use clean containers with lids and consider freezing some to keep your refrigerator cool in case of power outages.
Store additional water for cleaning and household purposes.
Keep an eye out for notifications from Rous and your local council about any water supply interruptions.
Bureau of Meteorology update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 4:27pm
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT LISMORE OVERNIGHT FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY MINOR FLOODING EXPECTED OVERNIGHT THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY
Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been recorded across the Wilsons River catchment since Wednesday morning and is expected to intensify overnight Thursday into Friday.
Forecast heavy to intense rainfall has the potential to cause dangerous and rapid river level rises along the Wilsons River and its tributaries.
River level rises have been observed along the Wilsons River upstream of Woodlawn and along the Leycester Creek upstream of Tuncester. River levels at Lismore are beginning to rise and are expected to reach the minor flood level overnight Thursday into Friday. Further river level rises to the major flood level are possible overnight Friday into Saturday with forecast rainfall.
A Tropical Cyclone Advice, Severe Weather Warning and Coastal Hazards Warnings are current for NSW including the Wilsons River catchment.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days as TC Alfred makes landfall. The timing and location of the heaviest falls will depend on the track of the cyclone. This situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as necessary.
Wilsons River: Major flooding may occur along the Wilsons River.
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is currently at 1.39 metres and rising, below the minor flood level (4.20 m). The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.20 m) late Friday morning or afternoon and may reach the major flood level (9.70 m) overnight Friday into Saturday with forecast rainfall.
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
Lismore City Council update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 4:30pm
FLOOD GATE ACTIVATION
In consultation with SES, Lismore City Council have assessed the Lismore Levee Operation Plan and will soon commence early activation of the majority of our flood gates.
The closure of these gates is being prioritised in response to the unpredictable nature of the cyclonic environment and reduces the need for staff to be exposed to adverse weather conditions.
The
gates that will be closed are pedestrian and vehicle ‘access’ gates to carparks and will not restrict critical flow paths or limit the ability of the urban area to drain into the river.
Those flood gates that will NOT be activated are:
- 2 x Hollingworth Creek Upstream
- Hollingworth Creek Riverview Park
- Gasworks Creek
- Browns Creek Flood Gate
These five gates are the stormwater release gates and need to be closed at specific river levels to ensure minimal localised flooding within the urban areas. They will remain open until these specific river levels are reached.
Northern Rivers NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 4.15pm
Winds are forecast to intensify and reach speeds more than 100 kilometres an hour north of
#Grafton. Winds will impact inland areas not just the coastline.
We encourage people to prepare now. Secure your homes, remove loose items from around your yards and consider relocating to family and friends outside of the potential impacted areas.
NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 2pm
NSW SES is responding to an increasing number of incidents across Northern NSW as wind increases.
Residents should prepare for loss of power and communications and take action early to stay safe. You should stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel. If you need to relocate or evacuate, leave as early as possible. Evacuation centres are continuing to open throughout the Northern Rivers.
This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.
For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES Flood Alert
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 1:48pm
LISMORE UPPER CATCHMENT FLOODING - DO NOT ENTER FLOODWATER - WATCH AND ACT
The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) NOT TO ENTER FLOODWATER due to predicted potential moderate to major flooding:
- Low-lying areas north of Lismore in the Wilsons catchment area
You should monitor the situation as it is constantly changing. Avoid floodwater for your safety.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises that major riverine flooding with significant localized flooding is possible along the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast from Thursday.
Rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred may cause rapid river rises and extensive flooding along NSW coastal rivers starting on Thursday and continuing through the weekend. The location of the heaviest rainfall and most severe flooding will depend on the track of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Heavy and locally intense rainfall is forecast from Wednesday into the weekend over Northern NSW. The heaviest rainfall will be south of the Tropical Cyclone track.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Likely road inundations and transport disruptions
- Potential for inundation of properties
- Possible impacts to infrastructure and services
What you need to do:
- If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it. Otherwise, discuss and plan what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
- Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads. Make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
- Plan your route carefully to avoid flooded roads and allow extra travel time.
- Obey all signs about road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
- Avoid storm drains, pipes, ditches, ravines, and rivers.
- Never drive, walk, ride through, play, or swim in floodwater – it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines apply.
- Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
Lismore City Council update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 1.30pm
DEFLECTOR WALL INSTALLATION
Council has mobilised road crews to install the deflector wall near Keen Street and Richmond Lane. This deflector, also known as a Dutch Dam, is designed to protect buildings by diverting water and preventing damage caused by high-velocity debris.
This installation is being completed in consultation with impacted businesses and is ahead of schedule due to the unpredictability of weather conditions.
Lismore City Council update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 1.30pm
UPDATED FLOOD EDITION OF LOCAL MATTERS
The
Flood Edition of Local Matters was released late last year, providing valuable information about Lismore’s flood infrastructure and how to prepare. With an upcoming weather event, we have updated this edition to help answer community questions and provide essential information. It includes details on the levee, gates and pumps, as well as important advice from the NSW SES on warning systems and flood preparedness.
Understanding how these systems work and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference. Stay informed and be prepared.
Northern Rivers NSW SES update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 12pm
Lismore and surrounds flooding: Stay informed
Advice: The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to STAY INFORMED about predicted major flooding on the
Wilsons River:
You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been recorded across the Wilsons River catchment since Wednesday morning and is expected to intensify Thursday and Friday.
Forecast heavy to intense rainfall has the potential to cause dangerous and rapid river level rises along the Wilsons River and its tributaries.
River level rises have been observed along the Wilsons River upstream of Woodlawn and along the Leycester Creek upstream of Tuncester. River levels at Lismore are expected to reach the minor flood level Thursday evening. Further river level rises to the major flood level are possible on Friday with forecast rainfall.
A Flood Watch is current for the Northern Rivers and northern Mid North Coast Catchments. A Tropical Cyclone Advice, Severe Weather Warning and Coastal Hazards Warnings are current for NSW including the Wilsons River catchment.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days as TC Alfred makes landfall. The timing and location of the heaviest falls will depend on the track of the cyclone. This situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as necessary.
Major flooding may occur along the Wilsons River.
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is currently at 1.23 metres and steady, below the minor flood level (4.20 m). The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 m) Thursday evening. The river level may reach the major flood level (9.70 m) during Friday with forecast rainfall.
Be advised there is current Watch & Act - Stay indoors warning in place for the Northern Rivers.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Low-lying roads, causeways and bridges
- Low-lying farming and rural areas
- Low-lying areas along the river
Bureau of Meteorology update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 12pm
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT LISMORE ON FRIDAY, MINOR FLOODING EXPECTED THURSDAY EVENING
Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been recorded across the Wilsons River catchment since Wednesday morning and is expected to intensify Thursday and Friday.
Forecast heavy to intense rainfall has the potential to cause dangerous and rapid river level rises along the Wilsons River and its tributaries.
River level rises have been observed along the Wilsons River upstream of Woodlawn and along the Leycester Creek upstream of Tuncester. River levels at Lismore are expected to reach the minor flood level Thursday evening. Further river level rises to the major flood level are possible on Friday with forecast rainfall.
A Flood Watch is current for the Northern Rivers and northern Mid North Coast Catchments. A Tropical Cyclone Advice, Severe Weather Warning and Coastal Hazards Warnings are current for NSW including the Wilsons River catchment.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days as TC Alfred makes landfall. The timing and location of the heaviest falls will depend on the track of the cyclone. This situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as necessary.
Wilsons River: Major flooding may occur along the Wilsons River.
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is currently at 1.23 metres and steady, below the minor flood level (4.20 m). The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 m) Thursday evening. The river level may reach the major flood level (9.70 m) during Friday with forecast rainfall.
Flood Safety Advice: In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
Lismore City Council update
Thursday, 6 March 2025 - 11am
We appreciate that members of the community are experiencing frustration over their regular bin collection service being disrupted. As a local Council preparing for an impending disaster event, we are required to rely on data provided to us by State agencies and the Emergency Operations Controller.
Data received on Tuesday prompted Council to make the decision to pause many business-as-usual functions, including waste collection services, and close
Council facilities from Wednesday. Many staff, who normally work on business-as-usual services within Council, are required to undertake different roles in the preparation for a disaster event. The pause on a number of Council services enabled staff to fulfil these roles ahead of further deterioration of weather conditions that would pose an unacceptable risk to staff. The safety of our staff and the safety of our community is paramount.
Council will collect missed bins as soon as weather conditions allow.