Whole communities, businesses and households are being told to make a decision whether to stay or leave as Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall in 48 hours.

Modelling shows the system, which is about 550km out to sea, will start heading towards the coast about 4pm before making landfall somewhere between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast later this week.

Chihuahuas, greyhounds, Australian cattle dogs, German shorthair pointers, and Ibizan hounds are five dog breeds that can handle warmer weather.

A Lithuanian solo rower has been rescued from the treacherous waters of the Coral Sea after being caught in the path of a ...