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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