A slow-moving tropical storm crossed islands off Australia's heavily populated eastern coast late Friday, lashing coastal suburbs with destructive winds and dumping heavy rain across the region.
Cyclone Alfred, which weakened to a tropical low weather system on Saturday, seems to have spared the region the worst of its potential impact, and while hundreds of thousands of homes were without power, relatively few rescues were required and damage was limited.
Flood is now considered to be the biggest risk and authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as forecasters predicted heavy rainfall for days to come.
“The rivers are full, the rain is continuing and expected to keep falling in the days ahead, and wind conditions are very high and extreme, particularly on the coast, particularly in the Byron Shire right up to the Queensland border,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns on Saturday.
