Tropical Cyclone Alfred is nearing Australia's east coast. It could affect Queensland and New South Wales with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The cyclone may make landfall between the Gold Coast and the Wide Bay region by late Friday or early Saturday.

Communities in north-east New South Wales are preparing for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, three years after catastrophic floods devastated much of the region.

A cyclone is heading for a densely populated part of Australia's coast for the first time in 50 years. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to U-turn towards southeast Queensland, before crossing the coast later in the week.