Residents at risk from storm surge and flooding from Tropical Cyclone Alfred are advised to seek alternative shelter as soon as possible.
Police have begun doorknocking properties most at risk to warn them of the dangers.
Council modelling based on the latest Bureau of Meteorology forecasts shows up to 20,000 properties are at risk from some level of inundation.
According to the modelling, areas most at risk include Nudgee Beach, Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside and Rocklea.
Residents who need to relocate should seek shelter with family and friends as soon as possible.
For those residents from at-risk areas who have been warned to relocate and cannot find alternative accommodation, a temporary Refuge Shelter will be established at RNA showgrounds from 7am tomorrow.
The Refuge Shelter will be a short-term facility designed to protect people during the predicted peak wind period Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and is a place of last resort.
The Gold Coast is operating similar Refuge Shelters which mirror the tried and tested approach developed and used in north Queensland during cyclones.
Police and Queensland Fire Department Staff and some Council staff will be present at the shelter.
The shelter will include only basic amenities and will not have beds or cooking facilities.
Evacuation centres will be stood up at appropriate locations in the event of significant flooding.
