Cyclone Alfred LIVE updates: Category downgrade possible as storm approaches Queensland coast; NSW Northern Rivers evacuation warnings issued for Lismore, surrounding areas

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has told residents she knows it’s “difficult to leave” but has urged them to evacuate before anticipated flooding.

“It’s difficult to leave your home. If you get an evacuation order, please do it. I want you safe, your family wants you safe, your neighbours want you safe – we all do. I know it’s hard, you can take your pets to the evacuation centre.”

Lismore is one of the areas in northern NSW that the SES has urged to evacuate before 9pm tonight.

Acting Chief Superintendent Stuart Fisher said strong winds were expected to bring down power lines and trees making it more difficult for emergency services to access people stuck in flooded areas.

“The weather is deteriorating rapidly for us, whilst it may look like the rivers aren’t flooding, there is high concern that they will start flooding tonight and continue into tomorrow,” said Fisher.

“We do expect other areas to be under evacuation orders tomorrow.”

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NSW Premier Chris Minns said those in evacuation zones with no place to go will have access to evacuation centres all along the northern NSW region.

The largest best equipped evacuation centre is at the Southern Cross University in the Lismore area, said Minns, adding “if you’re in those other towns, I’m asking you to access the SES website and make sure you find the most appropriate location”.

Minns urged residents not to stay at home, as the government and SES “cannot guarantee a boat for every house” in the event of a flood.