Essential Energy crews are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to cause widespread power outages due to high winds and flooding along the NSW coast from the Queensland border to the Mid North Coast.

An Emergency Operations Centre has been set up at Tweed Heads, and additional crews, portable generators, fuel pods, and mobile communication systems are being brought into the area.

“We are working with a range of other agencies to prepare and plan for a multi-organisational approach to the clean-up and restoration efforts if the power system in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast is impacted,” an Essential Energy spokesperson said.

Customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of losing power for several days, depending on the extent of damage to the network and the location of floodwaters.

Essential Energy crews will restore power as soon as it is safe to do so but cannot operate in floodwaters, lightning, or extreme weather conditions.

Residents are advised to:

• Secure loose items around properties
• Recharge phones and laptops
• Have alternative power sources for water pumps and cooking
• Unplug sensitive electrical equipment during storms
• Keep a torch and battery-powered radio handy
• Create an emergency plan

If you see fallen powerlines, burnt areas, or injured livestock, stay at least 8 metres away, call Essential Energy on 13 20 80, and wait for the all-clear.

For updates, visit the Essential Energy Outages page.

In an emergency, always call 000.