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.

Officials are urging residents in the storm's predicted path to take action immediately and evacuate before conditions worsen.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said: 'There is a chance this cyclone will cross in the middle of the night with a high tide. That is not the time to be making your evacuation plan—now is the time.'

Cyclone Alfred, a rare Category 2 storm, is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous storm surges overnight.

Although the storm was initially forecast to hit late Thursday evening, it is now expected to arrive either Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning.