The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an initial Flood Watch for rivers within the Northern Rivers in anticipation of the rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Bureau says, "Rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred has the potential to cause major flooding along NSW coastal rivers from the Queensland Border to Port Macquarie, with the locations and severity of flooding dependent on the track of the Tropical Cyclone. Flooding may develop from late Wednesday, and continue until at least the weekend.

"Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently located off the Queensland Coast and is forecast to move southwards parallel to the coast before tracking westward on Tuesday. This will bring heavy and locally intense rainfall from late Wednesday over the South East of Queensland, and the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast of New South Wales, and continuing on Thursday, Friday and into the weekend. The heaviest rainfall will be south of the Tropical Cyclone track.

"Coastal catchments in the flood watch area are relatively wet. Abnormally high tides are expected to increase the flood risk in coastal low lying areas. High sea levels and large waves are likely at coastal locations, and may exacerbate flooding and cause flooding impacts.

"Moderate to major flooding may develop across the flood watch area from late Wednesday into Thursday. The location of the most severe flooding will depend on the location of the heaviest rainfall, and the areas at risk will continue to be revised during the coming days.

"Rapid river levels rises and flash flooding is expected across many creeks, associated with the heaviest rainfall with widespread, including major, riverine flooding possible. Flood Classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service."

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood

Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.

Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.