Emma Pritchard Moderate and major flooding was occurring across Northern NSW as the Clarence Valley Independent went to print this week, and while coastal communities including Iluka and Yamba avoided the worst of the severe weather event, further inland, residents in Grafton and surrounding areas endured a nervous wait as heavy rain associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued to fall locally and in the catchment area. Between March 4-10, 168mm of rain fell in Yamba while the Grafton Research Station and Grafton Airport recorded 204.6mm and 366mm respectively during the same period. Close to 40000 homes and businesses throughout the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast also experienced significant power outages after strong winds brought trees down across powerlines. Due to dangerous working conditions, Essential Energy crews were prevented from accessing sites to restore power for days. As holidaymakers and visitors in Northern NSW were advised to leave, the Bureau of Meteorology regularly issued flood watches along with minor to moderate flood warnings for the Orara River and moderate to major flood warnings for the Clarence River as the deluge continued. The State Emergency Services (SES) issued prepare to evacuate and watch and act orders to residents in low lying areas of the Upper and Lower Clarence, while evacuation centres were established at the Grafton District Golf Club and Maclean Showground. At the time of publication NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said while weather conditions are improving, residents are reminded to stay alert and follow advice from emergency services. More than 3200 NSW SES volunteers remain on the ground in affected areas alongside partner agencies and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. They have responded to nearly 7000 incidents including fallen trees, damage to properties, and residents isolated by floodwater.