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.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to continue to weaken over the weekend. The storm is expected to make a turn and move close to Queensland's coast, bringing rainfall to areas from Rockhampton to Bundaberg,

Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to press south, with increasing confidence it will not make landfall in Queensland.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred has strengthened into a category three system, with winds of up to 150 kilometres per hour at its centre.