The category two system is now expected to cross the coast between Maroochydore and Coolangatta sometime on Friday.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred could have been known as Cyclone Anthony, before a switch from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The bureau maintains an approved list of alphabetical names for cyclones, divided into five sections.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon, but direct landfalls are.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred slowed down on Wednesday and is now expected to make landfall later than expected, which might expose parts of southeast Qld and northeast NSW to severe weather for longer.

Residents in South East Queensland and northern NSW are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with the latest forecast suggesting it will make landfall late Friday or early on Saturday.