Communities across New South Wales have been warned not to become complacent about the risk posed by the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred as it begins its spread across the mainland.
Australia’s east coast escaped the worst of the former cyclone’s winds as the system stalled and weakened just off the coast of Brisbane.
But the tropical low’s slow pace still supports days of flooding rain.
With more rain forecast, some parts of the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and southern Queensland have already received 100 to 500 millimetres of rainfall over the past week.
A few pockets have already recorded more than half a metre, including Dorrigo (754mm) and Meldrum (697mm) in the Mid North Coast.
Rain that fell into Dorrigo is now starting to make its way into the Clarence River. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned people in the region to still be on heightened alert.
“[The situation] remains very serious due to flash-flooding and heavy winds. Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over coming days,” he said.
“I urge everyone to continue to listen carefully to the emergency authorities.”
Weather models are now predicting Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will see the most intense falls on Sunday, bringing some hope of less severe flooding across the Northern Rivers, where communities have been braced for a severe flood event.
Despite this, 16,000 homes and businesses in northern NSW are still without power.
The deluge is now likely to linger near the coast into Monday and also spread to the NSW slopes and plains, where up to 100mm could fall by Tuesday.
Thousands of people have been under evacuation orders across the region. (Supplied: Friday Hut Studios)
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) spokesperson Matt Heap said widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms were possible for the north-west later on Sunday and Monday before the system moves towards Sydney and Hunter and the Illawarra regions.
“Although Alfred will weaken further as it moves inland, communities need to remain vigilant and not become complacent,”
he said.
“We are anticipating further significant flooding across northern New South Wales, particularly in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast.
“Widespread power outages continue with crews beginning to assess and repair when conditions allow.”
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Hopeful signs in Lismore, fresh flood evacuation orders
Overnight fresh evacuation orders were issued for residents across parts of the NSW Northern Rivers region.
People around Urunga were told to evacuate before flooding caused escape routes to be cut and residents around the township of Raleigh were also told to prepare to evacuate.
On Sunday morning, residents were told to prepare to evacuate from Rathgar Lodge, Ulmarra, parts of Southgate, Great Marlow and Alumy Creek and low lying areas of Grafton, due to rising flood levels.
More than 120 warnings remain in place across the state.
Authorities have been paying close attention to levels in Wilsons River at Lismore, where there was concern it could overtop on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said moderate flooding continued in the town and major flooding may occur.
The Wilsons River peaked at 9.31 metres yesterday afternoon and is currently at 8.95 metres and falling slowly.
Byron Bay and Lismore are “still on high alert for flooding”. (ABC News: Fiona Willan)
Mr Heap said the risk of flooding had not passed.
“New South Wales SES crews continue to monitor conditions at both the CBD and South Lismore levees,” he said.
“We are seeing rivers recede, however we want communities to remain vigilant and not become complacent.”
Energy Minister Penny Sharpe also warned Lismore residents about returning home despite the levee not being breached.
“You may think that it is OK to go back home, but until you are told to do so, please don’t,”
she said.
Hundreds of calls for help
In the past couple of days the NSW SES carried out flood rescues. (Supplied: NSW SES Ballina)
The NSW SES has responded to more than 915 incidents in 24 hours to Sunday morning, largely people in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast.
There were 29 flood rescues.
An investigation is also underway into an incident in which 13 defence force personnel were injured when two army trucks assisting flood-affected communities rolled at Tregeagle, just outside Lismore, on Saturday afternoon.
The 13 injured were taken to Lismore Base Hospital. (ABC News)
There were 32 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel on board the trucks and NSW Ambulance had initially suggested all had been injured.
They have been taken to Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and Byron Bay hospitals for assessment and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
It comes as the body of a 61-year-old driver, swept away after his vehicle hit floodwaters near Dorrigo, which lies inland from Coffs Harbour, was recovered.
“Tragically, last night, it was confirmed a 61-year-old man has died in floodwaters,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the community at this heartbreaking time.”
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