But while authorities have been warning residents to stay indoors as Cyclone Alfred approaches, die-hard surfers have been throwing caution to the increasing wind."This is what we look forward to," said Jeff Weatherall as he waited for a jet ski to pick him up from Kirra beach and carry him into the big waves.

The fringe of a tropical cyclone started whipping eastern Australia on Thursday (Mar 6), bringing drenching rains and record-breaking waves to a heavily populated region rarely hit by typhoons.

Australia braced for a rare east coast tropical cyclone that is swirling towards Brisbane, its third-most populous city, with authorities urging residents in flood-prone suburbs to evacuate soon.

Cyclone Alfred Live Tracker, Australia Tropical Cyclone Alfred LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that 660 schools in southern Queensland and 280 schools in northern New South Wales were closed on Thursday as weather conditions worsened due to the cyclone.

A senior meteorologist said while the cyclone's movement slowed overnight, that could mean further destruction.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and life-threatening floods are expected after the storm made a sudden shift toward Queensland.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan discusses Tropical Cyclone Alfred and how the residents of Queensland and northern New South Wales are “anxious” about its arrival.

Cyclone Alfred stalled off Australia's east coast delaying landfall as officials shut airports, schools and public transport and residents stockpiled supplies and sandbagged homes against floodwaters expected when the category-two storm hits.