Tropical Cyclone Alfred's centre is expected to hit Australia on Saturday morning, with impacts already being felt across south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
The cyclone continues to track slowly towards Australia, which means the impacts of the weather event will last longer.
Australians in the two affected states have been experiencing persistent rainfall, strong winds and large swells. Tens of thousands of people are already without power in the Gold Coast and New South Wales.
The category two system was expected to remain of similar intensity until the centre started to interact with the coast and islands. The most intense weather conditions are expected on Saturday morning.
Cyclone Alfred approaches Australia. Photo: DAVID GRAY
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