Hundreds of schools have closed in the affected areas and Brisbane city is a “ghost town” as residents prepare for the category 2 storm to make landfall in the next 48 hours.

Here we’ve put together the answers to common questions our readers have been asking as the storm approaches.

When will Tropical Cyclone Alfred make landfall?

Cyclone Alfred was originally predicted to hit the coast late tonight or early Friday morning, but it’s now thought the storm may make landfall later tomorrow or Saturday.

“The latest track indicates a coastal crossing is more likely during daylight hours on Friday,” per a BoM briefing this morning.

“However the spread of guidance now includes the possibility of crossing being delayed until Saturday.”

Do you have to go to work?

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and NSW Premier Chris Minns have urged residents in impacted areas to stay home for the next 48 hours.

Workers should only go to work if absolutely essential, such as emergency workers.

What’s open and closed?

Hundreds of schools, multiple airports, and many businesses across southeast Queensland and northern NSW have closed ahead of the storm.

Gold Coast, Ballina, and Coffs Harbour airports have stopped operating.

Coles and Woolworths supermarkets have also closed as shopping centres shut their doors until further notice.

Hospitals will remain open and will provide emergency care, but elective surgeries will not go ahead today or tomorrow.

AFL and NRL games in south-east Queensland have been shifted or postponed.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for several areas across southeast Queensland and northern NSW, especially in low-lying and beachside areas with high flood risks.

In Queensland, residents in Wynnum to Lota, Brighton to Nudgee Beach, Pinkenba, Hemmant and Lytton have been told to prepare to evacuate.

The NSW SES has issues flood evacuation warnings to residents in Ballina, Tweed Heads, South Golden Beach, Pottsville and Hastings Point. 

Residents who evacuate have been encouraged to stay with family and friends or head to one of many evacuation centres which have been established.

What financial support is available after a natural disaster?

The federal and state governments provide financial support to Australians affected by natural disasters, including disaster payments and income support.

The Queensland government can provide financial support including individual and business grants , loans for small businesses and non-profit organisations , and help from a Community Recovery Officer.

The NSW Government provides similar financial support for individuals and businesses.

Are flights cancelled and how do I get a refund?

Multiple flights in and out of southeast Queensland and northern NSW have already been cancelled and Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Ballina airports have closed.

All travellers are being urged to stay in contact with their airline and monitor for changes.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar, and REX have offered travellers booked on flights in and out of the affected areas over the next few days flexible travel options.