Updated: Tuesday, March 4

The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a flood watch for possible moderate to major flooding for the Clarence, Macleay and Hastings Rivers.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently located off the Queensland coast and is forecast to move south in the coming days. This is predicted to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the region from late Wednesday and into the weekend.

Rapid river level rises and flash flooding is expected across many creeks and coastal rivers, making major flooding possible, and Mid North Coast residents in the following areas have been advised to stay informed about weather predictions in case of emergency.

Clarence River

- Grafton and surrounds

Macleay River

- Georges Creek

- Bellbrook

- Kempsey

- Smithtown

- Gladstone

Hastings River

- Wauchope

- Telegraph Point

- Settlement Point

- Hastings River Drive

- North Shore

- Riverside

- Maria River Road

Dam release in Kempsey Shire

Steuart McIntyre Dam, in Kempsey Shire, is approaching 100 per cent capacity, according to the Council’s website. A controlled discharge from the dam has been activated today (Monday, March 3), in preparation for the forecast heavy rainfall. This has caused increased water flow around Fattorini Creek while the release occurs.

How to stay informed

NSW SES provides regular updates on its website and Facebook page. You can also tune in to your local ABC radio station, or check the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

Keep your eye on Hazard Watch and Hazards Near Me. If you use the app you can download “Watch Zones” to receive up to date warnings.

Where to get sandbags to help minimise potential flood damage

Sandbags placed around your home or business can help minimise the impact of flooding. 

You can get sandbags from government-supported self serve locations, or you can purchase them.

Self serve locations:

There are currently two self-serve sandbag locations on the Mid North Coast.

For those in need of sandbags, you can collect them from the following NSW SES Units in:
- Grafton on Irene Street, Grafton, 2460
- Urunga at 7 Orara Street, Urunga, 2455 (behind the Telstra exchange, accessible from
Coopers Lane. BYO shovel)

Where to buy them:

If you are unable to pick up free sandbags from government organisations like the SES, you can buy sand and sandbags from many hardware, landscaping or garden supply stores.

Filling a sandbag:

The SES website recommends Bricklayer's sand as it contains high amounts of clay. You can also use garden soil as a back-up.

Do not;
- over fill you sandbags. Filling them only two-thirds full allows the sand to move and mould to better fill gaps.
- tie the top of the bag, instead fold it over.

Click here for a guide on laying sandbags correctly.

If you don’t have access to sandbags, try plastic shopping bags or even grain or fodder bags in an emergency.

Emergency contacts

For assistance in an emergency during a flood or storm call the NSW SES on 132 500.
In a life-threatening situation always call Triple Zero (000).
For non-emergency or general enquiries, call SES on 138 737.

Lord Howe Island told to prepare for severe weather

The Bureau of Meteorology had advised Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to approach the island today (Tuesday 4) bringing damaging winds and big swell.

Waves could possibly reach as high as eight metres late today, winds possibly exceeding 75km per hour.