The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Queenslanders to stay updated on Tropical Cyclone Alfred as its path across the Coral Sea develops.

Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore says the slow-moving category 2 storm, currently about 930km northeast of Mackay, could reach category 3 tonight or tomorrow morning. 

The storm has sent gusts across coastal and island communities, with strong wind warnings in place for coming days. 

Mr Narramore says the cyclone’s projected path “continues to remain well off the Queensland coast” but there are several possible scenarios.

“Some of those scenarios have it heading closer to Queensland’s coast, so towards the weekend and early next week, still keeping it offshore, but it does get pretty close,” he said. “Other scenarios: it can continue that southerly track, well off the Queensland coast, and there’s also a few ... scenarios that have it heading further southeast, further away from the Queensland coast.  

“That’s why we’re advising residents in central and southeast Queensland to stay updated with the latest track maps, forecasts and warnings for their area, as we continue to ... get a better handle on where Tropical Cyclone Alfred will travel this weekend to next week.”  

The bureau’s seven-day forecast map projects the storm will be felt between Mackay and Brisbane next week. New forecasts are available on the bureau’s website and weather app every six hours.

It says some coastal areas could approach or exceed the “highest astronomical tide” level – the maximum projection under average meteorological and all astronomical conditions – as the storm comes closer, elevating inundation risk in low-lying areas.

Models from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts suggest a 30%-40% chance the storm will hit regions between Townsville and the southern Queensland coast next week.

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