Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall somewhere between the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

Brisbane airport was closed as the centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast very early Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta of Queensland accordinng to Australia's Bureau

The cyclone was upgraded to a category two system overnight and is expected to turn west “directly” towards the coast of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast later on Tuesday, with it about 560km east of the capital as of that morning.

A senior meteorologist said while the cyclone's movement slowed overnight, that could mean further destruction.

The weather system is expected to hit the coastline late tomorrow or early on Saturday as a category two system with damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

"This is the fifth day straight - I've done nothing but eat, sleep, surf and do it again." Kirra beach is famous for its breakers and this week has been busy as surfers wait for Cyclone Alfred. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a category two system late Friday or – more likely - early Saturday morning.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and life-threatening floods are expected after the storm made a sudden shift toward Queensland.

Cyclone Alfred stalled off Australia's east coast on Thursday (March 6) but its presence could be felt as it brought heavy rain and high winds to northern New South Wales. Greenland: Why is it valuable?

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Australia’s east coast, bringing destructive winds up to 100 mph. Residents are urged to evacuate and prepare for potential flooding and prolonged impacts.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred makes its final approach towards south-east Queensland as millions brace for the worst.