Cyclone Alfred: Lismore evacuation alert lifted but experts warn next 24 hours could be worst of weather

As residents in the Northern Rivers feel some solace after NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the CBD of Lismore no longer sits under a previous evacuation alert, experts warn the next 24-36 hours may be the worst period of the Cyclone Alfred nightmare.

Mr Minns held a press conference on Sunday afternoon to inform locals that advice he had been given is the levee maximum height would more than likely not be breached, and that the CBD of Lismore is safe for residents to return under a strong caution.

“Can I speak particularly about the situation in the Northern Rivers,” Mr Minns said.

“There is some encouraging news in relation to the Wilson River with the latest information that we can expect moderate flooding.

“We are watching the situation incredibly closely and I’m happy to report that the evacuation warning that went out yesterday has been lifted for the Lismore CBD.

“The advice now is to return with caution for the Lismore CBD.”

But experts are warning that the reprieve in flood water levels in northern NSW is nothing compared to what is to come for parts of Queensland in the next 24-36 hours.

Weather patterns in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred continue to produce unprecedented rainfall and winds as weather watchers warn the worst is yet to come.

7NEWS meteorologist Tony Auden said Sunday night will bring another torrent of rainfall.

“After another delay, we’re now into the most dangerous 24 hours of this whole Cyclone Alfred event ... the rain,” Auden said.

“We’ve seen moderate to heavy rain falling across the southeast overnight after the ex-cyclone gave up and finally went inland.

“Widespread falls of 1-200mm across the southeast in the past day has catchments primed and flowing.

“We could still pick up rapid fire totals of 300-400mm (possibly even over 500mm) in just a short period over the next 24 hours.”

The Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, has issued a warning for residents of the Fraser Coast to seek shelter and move away from rising flood waters.

Persistant heavy rain is causing flash flooding in the region as more roadways are inundated and the situation deteriorates.

Mr Crisafulli has pleaded with residents to avoid driving through flood waters in any circumstances.

Premier Minns reminded people that the situation is far from over and areas north of Lismore are still very much on high alert.

“This is a fluid situation, the rain is falling unevenly across the catchment and as a result, the advice is different for different communities.”

“It’s important to note that essential energy has done an incredible job restoring power as soon as possible.

“Earlier yesterday, we had 45,000 houses all thereabouts who had their power knocked out as a result of Alfred. As it currently stands, essential has been able to return all but about 14,000 households in the Northern Rivers, primarily in the Tweed area, doing everything they can to expedite returning power to these communities.”