Australia’s east coast is closely watching Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has been churning and strengthening over the Coral Sea. Although the storm is expected to stay offshore for now, it’s still set to bring gusty winds, rising swells and hazardous surf conditions to Queensland’s heavily populated coastline in the coming days.

Cyclone Alfred is bearing down on Queensland and NSW and expected to make landfall today or Friday. Many thousands of residents, with help from the government, are preparing and securing their properties. Evacuation centres are open while businesses and schools across the region are closed.