Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cross the southeast Queensland coast late this Thursday as a Category 2 storm. The last tropical cyclone to make landfall in the region was ex-Tropical Cyclone Zoe in 1974, half a century ago.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred could impact a heavily-populated area extending from Bundaberg to south of the Queensland border.

Premier David Crisafulli urged residents to ensure they had bottled water and batteries on hand, prompting a rush on supermarkets on Sunday and Monday. Bottled water was nearly sold out at Coles in Westfield Carindale and at Woolworths in Kenmore this morning.

Australia braces for rare tropical cyclone Alfred as residents warned to ‘get out now’ - Category 1 cyclone intensifying off Queensland’s coast expected to be one of region’s most destructive in decad

The system could make landfall between the Gold Coast and southern parts of the Wide Bay region as a category two cyclone.

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.

Australia’s east coast is bracing for tidal surges, intense rainfall, strong winds and flooding as a cyclone is expected to veer toward the country’s third-biggest city.

Residents are remaining alert with Tropical Cyclone Alfred currently tracking above the Coral Sea around 450 kilometres north-east of Brisbane.