Ex-Tropical Cyclone Brings Severe Weather and Disruption toNorthern NSW and Queensland

The ex-tropical cyclone, formerly known as Cyclone Alfred, continues to move northwest at a speed of 6 km/h, bringing with it intense rainfall and significant disruptions to northern New South Wales (NSW) and South East Queensland. Despite weakening in strength as it approaches the mainland, the system remains a formidable force, with wind speeds currently at 55 km/h, down from a peak of 155 km/h earlier. While the reduction in intensity has provided some cautious optimism for residents in the cyclone’s path, authorities are urging continued vigilance, as the storm still poses life-threatening risks. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds are expected to persist in the coming days, particularly along the coast and inland regions. The situation remains precarious, with rivers at capacity and communities bracing for further inundation.

Flooding and Evacuation Warnings Intensify Across Multiple Regions

The severe weather event has triggered widespread flooding and evacuation warnings across northern NSW and Queensland, with approximately 20,000 residents under evacuation orders. Flood warnings extend as far south as Taree and as far west as Coonamble, north of Dubbo, indicating the vast and expansive nature of the threat. In NSW, over 320,000 homes were without power on Saturday evening, and more than 300 schools in the northern regions will remain closed on Monday. Major flood warnings have been issued for several rivers, including the Tweed, Richmond, Wilsons, Brunswick, Orara, Clarence, and Bellinger rivers. Lismore, a town still recovering from record flooding in 2022, received over 132 mm of rain on Saturday, adding to the 147 mm that fell on Friday. Moderate flooding was already evident by Saturday afternoon, with authorities warning of potential major flooding as the evening progressed.

Communities Bear the Brunt of Extreme Weather

The impact of the cyclone and its aftermath has been devastating for local communities, many of whom are still reeling from previous floods. NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the region is "not out of the woods," noting that rivers are full, rainfall is ongoing, and wind conditions remain extreme. Speaking from Lismore, Minns acknowledged the immense stress residents have endured while waiting for the cyclone to pass. He assured communities that flood and cyclone response efforts are extensive, covering the Northern Rivers and extending into the Coffs region. Meanwhile, NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan warned against complacency, urging residents in areas under emergency warnings to remain vigilant until the threat of heavy rain and flooding has passed.

Ongoing Cyclone Movement and Emergency Response

The ex-tropical cyclone hovered approximately 20 kilometers off Australia’s east coast for much of Saturday afternoon, having been downgraded from a Category 1 cyclone after making landfall near Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, earlier in the day. It was expected to cross the mainland between Maroochydore and Bribie Island around 4 pm on Saturday (Queensland time). Despite its weakening, the system continues to pose significant risks, with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected to linger. NSW State Emergency Service Commissioner Mike Wassing described Saturday as "D-Day" for the state, highlighting the critical nature of the situation. "Today, effectively, is D-Day," he said, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of heavy rainfall, river rises, flash flooding, and widespread inundation.

Mental Health and Broader Impacts of the Crisis

The extreme weather event has raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of affected communities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the lasting mental health challenges posed by the flooding and evacuations, noting that some communities have endured repeated traumas, making recovery even more difficult. "Some of these communities have copped it time and time again, and that just makes it so tough for people who’ve rebuilt and recovered and who then find another wave of trauma heading their way along with the cyclone," he said. The emotional toll of the disaster is compounded by the physical challenges, with thousands of residents displaced and many more bracing for further disruptions in the coming days.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Ongoing Challenges

As the situation unfolds, search and rescue efforts are ongoing for a man swept away by floodwaters near Dorrigo on Friday. The man was driving across a bridge in his 4WD when he was carried away, and despite initial efforts to secure himself to a tree branch, he was swept from view. Police have been hampered by severe weather conditions, describing the search as an "evolving, dynamic weather event" with unique challenges. Meanwhile, 21 evacuation centers remain open in NSW, providing support to nearly 750 people. However, officials have reported challenges in maintaining supplies due to road closures. The M1 Motorway, a critical transport link, reopened in both directions near the Queensland border on Saturday morning, offering some relief to stranded residents. As the region navigates this complex and multifaceted disaster, the resilience and unity of affected communities will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead.