Flooding sweeps northern NSW and southern Qld, schools closed, heavy rain persists

Just under 217,000 households and businesses remained without power as the working week began and hundreds of schools are closed.

Stay with ACM for your ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred coverage:

Alfred was estimated to be 465 kilometres east of Brisbane and 430 kilometres east of Gold Coast on the morning of March 5.

K'gari in Queensland was set to be hit by the storm with BoM establishing a watch zone from Sandy Cape on the island's north to Double Island Point.

Towns and cities between Queensland's Double Island Point and Grafton, NSW were on the BoM's warning zones. These areas include Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina.

The cyclone was already affecting the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers with destructive winds and large surf, NSW SES said.

Reinforcements for NSW State Emergency Service crews have arrived in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast as communities brace for the cyclone.

Sustained winds near the centre of the cyclone were clocked at 95 kilometres per hour while wind gusts were hitting 130 kilometres per hour.

READ MORE: Cyclone forces AFL to postpone Queensland season-opener

The NSW emergency service said residents should raise their valuables above the expected flood height and download the Hazards Near Me app.

People were also advised to stock up on supplies if isolation was likely, but SES urged "there is no need to panic buy".

An emergency kit including essentials such as a battery-powered radio, torch, tinned food, bottled water, mobile phone charger, important medicine and important papers was also recommended.

"If you have special or medical needs, ensure you have enough medicine and plan for power outages," Sunshine Coast Council said.

The typical effects of a category two cyclone are minor house damage, significant damage to signs, trees and caravans, heavy damage to some crops, risks of power failure and small boats breaking their moorings, the Queensland Government said.

Outdoor furniture, garden tools and children's toys could be airborne hazards in strong winds.

Secure loose items by storing them indoors or tying them down, power protection company PSS Distributors general manager Terence Daniel said.

Blocked gutters lead to water damage during heavy downpours so clear gutters and drains to allow proper water flow, he said.

Trim trees and plants as overhanging branches may break and cause damage in high winds.

Reinforce outdoor structures by ensuring sheds, fences and carports are well-secured and in good condition to withstand high winds, Mr Daniel said.

Inspect the roof for loose tiles or sheets and secure any weak points, he said.

Reinforce windows with storm shutters or tape to reduce the risk of shattering.

Preparing pets and small animals reduces the level of risk and stress in an emergency, NSW SES said.

"Animals can behave differently under stress, so practising your plan helps you and your animal become more comfortable with containment, travelling and being around other animals and people," SES said.

Have between three and seven days' worth of pet supplies ready to go in a pet Emergency Kit. This could be a backpack or a plastic tub and should be stored somewhere easy to access, SES said.

Consider packing non-perishable food, including instructions on feeding, water, bowls, a spoon, a can opener, paper towels and disinfectant.

Also, consider bringing a collar, a leash, an ID tag, medications, tablets or creams with instructions, and a first aid kit with bandages, tape and antibiotic ointment.

Bring bedding, blankets, towels, toys and treats, as well as toilet supplies, including kitty litter trays or poo bags.

A photo of you and your pet, emergency contact details, recent vaccination certificates and veterinary records could also be needed.

If you go to an evacuation centre you may need to place a muzzle on your dog, SES said.

Queensland Government-owned electricity company Energex said it was "ready to respond" to damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

A number of households in Queensland experienced outages on March 5 due to damage caused by the cyclone.

"Gale force winds and floods can cause extensive damage to the electricity network, so be prepared for prolonged power outages," Energex said.

People using generators were warned of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The energy company recommended that generators are only used outside, well away from open windows and with a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm.

"Generators produce toxic carbon monoxide gas when burning fuel, which is colourless, odourless and can easily reach life-threatening levels without being noticed," Energex said.

A handful of government schools in northern NSW have closed on March 5 including Casino Public School, Chatsworth Island Public School, Drake Public School, Evans River Community School, Gulmarrad Public School and Leeville Public School.

Schools across southeast Queensland's cyclone-affected areas will be closed as the storm approaches, the Queensland Government said.

School closures will be updated through the Queensland and NSW government sites.

Queensland Police urged road users to take extra precautions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred was forecast to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the state's southeast.

"Motorists must prioritise safety, stay informed, and remember the life-saving message: If it's flooded, forget it," Road Policing Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said.

"Slow down, increase your stopping distance, turn your headlights on and never attempt to drive through flood water," he said.

"Even just 15 centimetres of water can be enough to sweep a vehicle away. Your car can't protect you from floodwater, and the risks are simply not worth it.

"Your car is designed to protect you on the road, but once you enter floodwater, it becomes a completely different story - doors can jam, electrics can fail, and newer vehicles, which are often more buoyant, can float or be swept into fast-moving currents."

For emergency assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage call the Queensland or NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

Queensland and NSW warnings at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings.