Tropical Cyclone Alfred is bearing down on southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, where millions of Australians have been warned to brace for damaging winds, intense rain and flooding.The storm is now expected to make landfall on Friday night or Saturday morning and schools, businesses, and airports have closed in anticipation.Here we've put together the answers to common questions our readers have been asking as the storm approaches.LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland coastFor official news and updates, monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), NSW SES and Disaster QLD websites.When will Tropical Cyclone Alfred make landfall?Cyclone Alfred was originally predicted to hit the coast late on Thursday or early on Friday, but it's now expected to cross the coast tonight or early Saturday morning.Residents from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales have been warned to expect heavy rain, damaging winds and possible flooding when the storm hits.The warning includes Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina but not Grafton.More details on when Cyclone Alfred will make landfall can be found here.Do you have to go to work?Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and NSW Premier Chris Minns have urged residents in impacted areas to stay home until further notice.Workers should only go to work if absolutely essential, such as emergency workers.READ MORE: Where and when Cyclone Alfred will make landfallWhat's open and closed?Most schools, airports, and businesses across southeast Queensland and northern NSW have closed ahead of the storm making landfall.Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ballina, and Coffs Harbour airports have stopped operating and dozens of flights have been axed.Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in the affected areas have closed and shopping centres have shut their doors until further notice.Hospitals will remain open and will provide emergency care, but elective surgeries will not go ahead today or tomorrow.AFL and NRL games in south-east Queensland have been shifted or postponed.More details on what has been closed because of Cyclone Alfred can be found here.Do I need to evacuate?Evacuation warnings have been issued for several areas across southeast Queensland and northern NSW, especially in low-lying and beachside areas with high flood risks.Tens of thousands of people were told to prepare to evacuate on Wednesday, with thousands more ordered to leave their homes on Thursday.More than 20 evacuation orders were made throughout Thursday afternoon and evening in northern NSW, affecting Lismore and parts of Port Macquarie, Kyogle, Tumbelgum, Coraki and other towns.Residents who evacuate have been urged to stay with family and friends or head to one of many evacuation centres which have been established.Those who did not evacuate have been told to shelter at home.READ MORE: Which areas are at most risk of flooding when Cyclone Alfred makes landfallWhat financial support is available after a natural disaster?The federal and state governments provide financial support to Australians affected by natural disasters, including disaster payments and income support.The Queensland government can provide financial support including individual and business grants , loans for small businesses and non-profit organisations , and help from a Community Recovery Officer.Residents can check what financial support they're eligible for on the Queensland Government website.The NSW Government provides similar financial support for individuals and businesses.Residents can check what financial support they're eligible for on the Service NSW website.Are flights cancelled and how do I get a refund?Dozens of flights in and out of southeast Queensland and northern NSW have been cancelled and Brisbane, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Ballina airports have closed.All travellers are being urged to stay in contact with their airline and monitor for changes.Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar, and REX have offered travellers booked on flights in and out of the affected areas over the next few days flexible travel options.More details on how Cyclone Alfred will affect flights can be found here.

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.

The outer fringe of a tropical cyclone has started to hit eastern Australia, bringing heavy rains and record-breaking waves to a heavily populated region rarely hit by typhoons.