Cyclone Alfred has struck eastern Australia, leading to school closures and halted public transport. It is expected to reach Queensland's coast by Saturday, affecting nearly 4 million residents and potentially flooding 20,

Shops are preparing as Cyclone Alfred nears the Gold Coast, Australia. Footage taken by resident Alex shows businesses closing early on Hastings Street in Noosa, Queensland, on March 5. Shopkeepers also set up sandbags at their doorways in preparation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to cross the coast between the Queensland state capital Brisbane and the tourist city of Gold Coast to the south late Thursday or early Friday.