More than 100 schools closed and thousands without power as Tropical Cyclone Alfred generates gale force winds – even before it makes landfall

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The NSW premier has warned the number of homes that could be affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred might be “akin to the 2022 natural disaster in Lismore” – but he hopes it is less.

Chris Minns on Wednesday said the SES was speaking to vulnerable communities in the Northern Rivers about whether they need to be evacuated ahead of Alfred making landfall – likely early on Friday morning.