TC Alfred intensifies to category 2 and is expected to turn toward Queensland coast later today

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified into a category two system and is expected to turn towards South-east of Queensland later this afternoon.

Modelling shows the system, which is about 560 kilometres east of Brisbane, will start heading towards the coast before making landfall somewhere between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast later this week.

The Bureau of Meteorology says Alfred's intensity may fluctuate in the coming days, but it is expected to cross the south-east Queensland coast at category 2 strength late Thursday or early Friday morning.

Authorities are warning people that storm surges may increase flood risks of low-lying coastal areas.

It will be the first time the South-east has been in the direct firing line of a tropical cyclone in several decades.

Source: abc