People are being warned to stay out of Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head after testing detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

The NSW State Emergency Service says residents in northern and northwestern NSW should watch weather forecasts and prepare for the impacts of widespread rainfall and flooding, as the organisation puts assets and personnel on standby to respond.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is preparing for the impacts of a possible East Coast Low with heavy rain, damaging winds and large surf, and is urging the community to get ready.

State fire authorities have issued a reminder about the risks of lithium-ion batteries, which they say is one of the fastest growing fire risks in NSW.

The latest information from the Bureau of Meteorology shows that Tropical Cyclone Alfred is now at Category 2, and is expected to make landfall between the Sunshine Coast and Grafton, with the eye currently expected to cross the coast just south of Brisbane.

Hazardous surf conditions have also prompted a warning, particularly for rock fishers.

The NSW Government has issued an alert about potential fire dangers of poor-quality lithium-ion battery powered products.

Small and family businesses have just eleven days to make sure they don't have their vital business systems and equipment fail when the 3G network is switched off on 28 October, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that severe thunderstorms could bring damaging wind, heavy rain and large hail to parts of northern NSW and South East Queensland tonight (Tuesday 8 October) and also tomorrow.

The NSW SES advises people in Murwillumbah, South Murwillumbah, Condong and Tumbulgum to STAY INFORMED about predicted dangerous moderate flooding on the Tweed River.