Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impact is expected to continue over the coming days, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has crossed the islands off the coast of Queensland as a category one system, bringing with it destructive winds and heavy rain. An emergency alert was issued for Moreton Island just before 6pm on Friday night, telling residents to take shelter immediately as the impact of the storm was being felt.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon but direct landfalls are.