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.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a category four system but the latest modelling suggests the chance of it making landfall has decreased, according to the BOM.

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 has formed off the coast of Queensland, with predictions it could strengthen to a category three within days.