Ipswich is bracing for potential widespread flooding across the region, with residents advised to prepare to leave.

Mayor Teresa Harding told Sofie Formica, "It is going to be a major flood, and we have the latest flood modelling updated on our disaster dashboard so people can go in there and have a look so they can make arrangements."

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As rain begins to ease in some parts of Southeast Queensland, the mammoth task of getting back to life as normal begins.

Major General Jake Ellwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority told Sofie Formica, "The first place to go is 1800 173 349, or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp."

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Listen to 4BC Afternoons with Sofie Formica, weekdays from Midday - 3pm

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Millions of Queenslanders are preparing and waiting for the first cyclone to cross the state’s southern coast in half a century.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been delayed in its landfall and is predicted to hit South East Queensland by Friday night or early Saturday morning as a Category 2 system.

BOM Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "Its approach and even its impact until as we get into Friday night into the early hours of Saturday morning, so delayed about 12 to 24 hours."

"We're going to see because of this slow down motion, we're going to see not only more rainfall, a longer period of rainfall, but also longer period of much more intense wave action hitting our beach and coastal areas," Mr Narramore continued.

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Lismore and the northern rivers are in the firing line of Cyclone Alfred.

It comes as the community is still dealing with the scars of the devastating floods three years ago.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "My youngest is 13 years old, and she's preparing to evacuate for the second time in three years from her home and everything she knows and everything she's comfortable with."

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Meteorologists warn the slower speed of Alfred’s advance means East Coast communities are in for “extended and more prolonged periods of significant and major wave heights and heavy rain”.

The storm surge is attracting crowds to line the coastline to catch a glimpse of the rare event, but residents are being warned of extremely dangerous conditions.

Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "Just don't go there."

"There's plenty of vision available through the news networks about what's happening on our beaches, no one needs to be on the roads or going there."

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4BC has been contacted by numerous listeners regarding the safety of the homeless community as Tropical Cyclone Alfred looms.

CEO of Micah Projects, Karyn Walsh, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "We're trying to really put all our energy into getting motel accommodation. Because that's the safest thing that people have a room in their own space, and we're working with the Department of Housing to make that happen."

"Helping people pack up their tents, helping people, we've got a place where we're storing people's belongings that needs, sort of packing them, wrapping them up and making sure they don't lose things," Ms Walsh continued. 

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South East Queensland residents are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with heavy rain and winds expected to reach the coast by late Thursday night and early Friday morning. 

Redlands Mayor Jos Mitchell told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "We are working with state government at the moment to find alternatives for places of refuge."

"We have been also working hand in hand with QPS. QPS have done a fantastic job notifying residents that are in low-lying areas."

"We've got a great team working here across the city doing all we can," Mayor Mitchell continued. 

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Millions of Queenslanders are being told to prepare amid warnings of the first cyclone to cross the state’s southern coast in half a century.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will make landfall in South East Queensland by Thursday night or early Friday morning as a Category 2 system.

BOM Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "It's currently a Category 2 and will cross as a Category 2, not Category 3 at this stage."

"Look, there's a tiny window that it might intensify, it's still a low chance. But if we go Category 2 or low-end Category 3, there's really not much difference." Mr Narramore continued. 

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