Images obtained by 9News show shelves emptied of water and bread as residents rush to stock up on supplies as the cyclone intensifies into a category 2 storm.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the government was working with supermarkets, urging them to restock items multiple times a day.

Crisafulli said it was important that everyone had access to the essentials.

“It is important that people find every opportunity to have those essentials, all your personal items in one place, do everything you can to prepare for the prospect of loss of power, for example,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the storm to tack south-east again today, from its current position about 465km north-east of Brisbane, before turning back towards the coast tomorrow or Wednesday.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday, Steven Bernasconi from the Bureau said. If it makes landfall in a populated area of South East Queensland, it will be the first to do so in 50 years.

A Coles spokesperson told 9news.com.au that they were working “tirelessly to ensure all stores are well stocked as Cyclone Alfred approaches”.

“We have extra deliveries on the roads already, with a focus on boosting our supply of meat, milk, bread, water, canned goods, baby formula and toilet paper,” the spokesperson said.

“This preparation began last week, and will continue this week.

“While this is the first cyclone to hit this area in more 50-years, we are well prepared to ensure we can continue serving communities affected by these wild weather events. We will work closely with government and local authorities as the impacts from Cyclone Alfred unfold.”

Woolworths has been contacted for comment.