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Police urge caution with severe weather conditions expected - cyclone Alfred - Public Information and Inquiry Centre opens

Wednesday, 05 March 2025 12:09:19 PM

NSW Police and emergency services are reminding the community to take care as the anticipated wet weather following the arrival of tropical cyclone Alfred will impact large parts of the North Coast and Northern Rivers regions.

The predicted conditions have potential to damage homes and property, as well possibly causing trees and powerlines to fall.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated to support the multi-agency response to tropical cyclone Alfred.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.

Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating to severe weather and flooding anticipated when the cyclone makes landfall.

It will operate on a 24-hour basis until the weather system abates.

The NSW Police Force has also activated the ‘Register Find Reunite’ capability, to assist in the registration of those who have been displaced by the floods in north of the State.

Police are encouraging those within the impacted flood areas to register their movements using the Australian Red Cross’ ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service.

The Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ –is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.

It is a service which registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an Emergency. It allows people to:

  • Register to let people know they are safe,
  • Find people who may be affected by an emergency and know they are safe, and
  • Reunite through a matching process which enables police – with consent – to share details of family and friends with each other.

State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, has appealed for the public to not become complacent.

“Members of the public in flood affected areas need to heed the warnings and advice of the NSW State Emergency Service and all emergency services.

“Our message is clear – do not put your life or that of emergency service personnel in danger.

“Floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away.

“During this weather event, avoid going outside and if you do drive, plan ahead – pay attention to RMS message boards for road closures or hazardous conditions, and never drive, ride or walk through floodwater,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

For the latest on road closures members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com or contact their local councils.

Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.

It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.

Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au

For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero.