The tropical storm, named Alfred, is on track to bring dangerous winds and flooding along the coast of southeastern Queensland, including the country’s third-largest city.

Residents are stacking sandbags to protect low-lying properties ahead of a tropical cyclone that is forecast to become the first in 51 years to hit the Australian east coast near Brisbane, the nation’s third-most populous city.

Airports in eastern Australia, including Brisbane and Gold Coast, have been closed due to Cyclone Alfred, a category 2 storm. Air New Zealand suspended operations, and authorities issued evacuation orders and shut down schools and public transport.