Emma Pritchard Weather warnings and updates: Northern Rivers communities were warned to brace for extreme weather conditions during the past several days with the Bureau of Meteorology initially forecasting rainfall of up to 400mm and wind gusts in excess of 150kph to impact widespread areas including parts of the Clarence Valley. The Northern Rivers NSW SES Unit issued multiple stay indoors orders for residents as heavy rainfall bands extended across the northeast corner of the state. On March 7 the Bureau released a moderate to major flood watch for the Clarence River, stating the forecast rain had the potential to cause dangerous and rapid river level rises. Please stop panic buying: Despite authorities advising people to only shop for what they needed, supermarket shelves were stripped of stock in what has been described as Covid-19 style panic buying with customers purchasing large quantities of toilet paper, long life milk, bottled water, and bread as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the east coast of Australia. Local business Farmer Lous announced via Facebook they had imposed a limit of 1 bottle/carton of milk per customer as of March 8, while staff also erected a sign in the South Grafton store advising customers eggs would remain out of stock until the following week. One disgruntled shopper told the Clarence Valley Independent they only come to Grafton once a week for supplies and were forced to return home empty handed. “I couldn’t buy any necessary items,” they said. “Everyone was panic buying because of the weather.” Supermarkets throughout the Northern Rivers are continuing to restock their shelves and thank customers for their patience and understanding. Schools non-operational: A number of Clarence Valley schools announced they would be non-operational between March 6-10 due to the potential impacts caused by the wet weather. Parents, carers, and guardians are advised to visit the Department of Education website at www.education.nsw.gov.au to view the full list of closures and for further updates regarding schools reopening. Impacts on the local economy: Several businesses in the Grafton CBD opted to close their doors and sandbag their shopfronts as a precaution after the Bureau forecast major flooding to occur. Grafton Shoppingworld also issued a statement via social media last week explaining to their customers that due to the wet weather forecast to impact the region the centre would close at 5pm on March 7 and reopen at 12pm on March 8. “We are closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from emergency authorities,” they wrote. A Grafton retail employee told the Clarence Valley Independent they lamented losing upwards of $250 in wages due to lost shifts after their employer decided to cease trading for a couple of days. “Things are going to be tough,” they said. “This means I’ll have no savings left after I pay my rent. “I understand its to do with the weather and no one really knows what’s going to happen, but it sucks.” Clarence Valley road closures: The adverse weather caused the closure of several local roads and main thoroughfares as rainfall intensified over the weekend. The Big River Way was closed in both directions between Heber Street, South Grafton, and Centenary Drive, Clarenza, due to flooding on March 8, with traffic diverted via Old Lilypool Road. The Summerland Way was also closed in both directions north of Grafton. In the Lower Clarence Yamba Road was cut off between North Bank Road and South Bank Road at Warregah Island, and Goodwood Island Road at Iluka was also closed in both directions. The Lawrence Ferry is also expected to remain out of service until floodwater recedes. For the latest road closures please visit www.livetraffic.com Prepare to evacuate orders issued and evacuation centres established: Evacuation centres were set up at the Grafton District Golf Club and Maclean Showground as residents of Palmers Island, Micalo Island, Thorny Island, and Romiaka Island, were issued with prepare to evacuate orders around 8am on March 9 by the NSW SES due to moderate flooding. Later that day, residents on low lying areas along Lawrence Road between Grafton and Southgate and residents of Carrs Island at Grafton were also issued with prepare to evacuate orders as the Bureau forecast the Clarence River to exceed the moderate flood level of 3.60m at the Prince Street gauge in Grafton. Recorded river peaks: At Coutts Crossing, the Orara River was estimated to have peaked around the major flood level of 12m at an undisclosed time on March 9. In Grafton, the Clarence River peaked at a major flood level of 5.74m around 11pm on March 9. Further downstream, the Clarence River was reported by the Bureau as steady near an extended peak around 4.34m, above the moderate flood level of 3.40m. The Clarence River at Maclean peaked at 2.21m throughout the morning on March 9 on a high tide. Residents urged to stay safe: As Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to weaken as it moves further inland, the NSW SES is urging residents to remain vigilant and to not become complacent. “The situation remains dynamic and unpredictable, with widespread rainfall and renewed river rises still possible,” said NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan. Meanwhile, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) have issued updates advising residents that crews are continuing to work on clean-up operations at accessible locations. To stay informed of their progress, please visit www.clarence.nsw.gov.au Crisis and mental health support: Clarence Valley residents impacted by the wet weather which has devastated large areas of Northern NSW are encouraged to call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 For general health support, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Stay up to date: For the latest weather warnings and updates, please visit www.bom.gov.au and www.ses.nsw.gov.au For emergency assistance, contact NSW SES or call 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, dial Triple Zero (000) immediately. •Information featured in this article was up to date at the time of publication. Please refer to websites listed above and the Clarence Valley Independent Facebook page for the latest information and weather warnings.