Australia Weather News

The flow-on effect of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has turned some properties into islands in the NSW Northern Rivers, as residents wait with bated breath for peak flooding to recede.

In the small riverside town of Lawrence, located 30 kilometres from Grafton, the Coulthurst's farm became surrounded by the Clarence River within just 24 hours.

"We woke up yesterday [Sunday] morning, and it was completely flooded. It really rose overnight," Bob Coulthurst said.

"I rang the agent after it happened last time, I said, 'You've undersold it, we're up there with Branson'."

Bob and his wife Genevive were in the middle of moving from Sydney to Lawrence during the 2022 floods, when the river almost reached their doorstep.

This time around, they have made sure their tinny is working to be able to traverse across their driveway and the neighbouring golf course, which is mostly submerged.

"I don't think I've been this anxious …this time compared to the first time. The first time, we were not prepared, but this time it just feels like we were expecting it."

Ms Coulthurst adding: "We're prepared, we know what's going to happen, and we're very fortunate."

The couple said they would only leave their home if the situation turned "catastrophic".

According to the latest census data, Lawrence has a population of about 1,000 people.

Over Sunday and Monday, low-lying parts of the town had been under a prepare to evacuate warning with ex-Cyclone Alfred causing moderate flooding.

Water levels in the area rose from below one metre on Saturday to above three metres on Monday.

While in nearby Grafton, the city reached major flooding levels with a peak of above 5.7 metres early on Monday.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said high tides and large waves off the east coast meant the water was taking longer than usual to recede.

Overnight, a number of emergency warnings were downgraded along the Clarence River. 

Just down the road from the Coulthurst's, the Lawrence General store was surrounded by water once more.

Mark and Teresa Lynch, who have owned the business for five years, were left devastated in the wake of the 2022 floods when water entered their shop.

The pair said they had learned a lot since then, and with the help of the community lifted all their fridges, the kitchen and supplies at least half-a-metre above the floor.

"We've got a lifter that lifts everything off the floor. All our new fridges have got all the compressors on the roof so they don't get damaged, all the electrical wirings been lifted up," Mr Lynch said.

"2022 was [a] major disaster that nearly wiped us out so, we're kind of happy at the moment with the way it is, because it's it looks like we've dodged a bullet".

Ms Lynch said the worst part of the last week was the uncertainty of not knowing what ex-cyclone would bring their way, and when.

"That uncertainty created anxiety, and I really wanted to prepare a day earlier, and everyone's going, 'No, no, let's just wait'," she said.

"So we did. I like to be organised, and we've coped pretty well, and the community has hopped in and helped, which was really lovely and comforting."

Despite optimism that the worst of the flooding has passed Lawrence, flooded roads are still impacting their business.

"Our baker is in Yamba," Mr Lynch said

"That's a problem. They're blocked off at the moment, and the milkman, he's fantastic. He'll find some way to get here, even if he's got to take a boat".

SES delivering essentials

On Monday, the Commonwealth announced financial assistance for those in affected areas, with the state government yet to unveil its plans.

From Tuesday, workers and sole-traders who have lost income will be able to access up to 13-weeks of income support through the federal government's disaster recovery allowance.

People are urged to go to the Services Australia website to check their eligibility.

By 9pm Monday night, more than 120 warnings remained in place across the state, with eight coastal rivers under flood watch alerts.

About 2,000 homes remained cut-off at Thora Darkwood and Grafton. A spokesperson for the SESsaid they had received 52 requests for essential items to be delivered.

"The SES will be conducting resupply and assisting people if they require medicines or transportation for medical reasons," he said.

"We expect those to continue over the coming days, as some of these people will be isolated for several days without power and without water, and also electricity".

As ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks towards Moree and the Central West, including Tamworth and Glenn Innes, these communities are warned they may experience minor flooding.

Most schools to reopen

With the clean-up phase underway in parts of the region, evacuation centres are beginning to close.

Five remain open at Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Lismore, Ocean Shores and Coraki, a NSW government spokesperson confirmed.

Since the weather event began, the SES had received more than 7,000 calls for help and executed 80 flood rescues.

Most public schools will reopen on Tuesday, but some are expected to remain closed until they're found safe by the education department.

Education Minister Prue Car said some schools had reported damage from fallen trees.

"Unfortunately, we have encountered some damage to schools, which the Department will work to make safe and rectify," Ms Car said.

One of the region's electricity provider, Essential Energy, said that by Monday afternoon 9,000 homes and businesses remained without power.

This number is down from 43,000 properties at the height of the storm.