Australia’s east coast is closely watching Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has been churning and strengthening over the Coral Sea. Although the storm is expected to stay offshore for now, it’s still set to bring gusty winds, rising swells and hazardous surf conditions to Queensland’s heavily populated coastline in the coming days.

Densely-populated southeast Queensland is facing the first direct impact in decades from a powerful tropical cyclone, with its pristine beaches expected to be pounded by heavy swell.

Satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.

Campers on K’gari, Inskip and Cooloola are being urged to evacuate as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies offshore. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is advising all campers to leave the areas “while it is still safe to do so”.

Sky News Australia Meteorologist Alison Osborne has examined how Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently tracking as it travels off the Queensland coast.

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred now spinning over the Coral Sea as a category two system and strengthening, many Queensland’s are asking one question: will it hit Queensland?