Storm warning for life-threatening flash floods as Australians ordered to evacuate
Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes in eastern Australia ahead of the arrival of a powerful storm which risks "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding".
Forecasters had predicted Tropical Cyclone Alfred would be the first to hit the area, north of Brisbane, in more than 50 years.
But while its intensity has now weakened to a tropical low pressure system, more than 250,000 homes and businesses have already lost power in Queensland and New South Wales.
More than 19,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying homes, one person is missing after being swept down a river, and at least 39 people have been rescued from flood waters.
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Public transport and flights have also been suspended as the storm approaches with sustained winds near the centre of 55kph (34mph) and gusts of 85kph (52mph).
It is due to make landfall on Saturday between Maroochydore, a coastal town in the Sunshine Coast region, and Bribie Island.
Meteorologist Angus Hines from the government's weather agency, the Bureau of Meterology, said: "The rain and the associated flooding... will continue to be very severe and ongoing through Friday and the weekend."
He confirmed rainfall totals, for the last 12 hours, were more than 100mm through parts of New South Wales mid-north coast, and as high as 166mm in Meldrum.
Despite Alfred weakening to a tropical low, it would continue to bring dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding "particularly to inland parts of southern Queensland and north eastern New South Wales", said Mr Hines.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been expected to call national elections on Sunday or Monday but has now ruled this out to focus on the response to the cyclone.
Earlier on Friday, coastal regions were smashed by wind gusts of more than 100kph (62mph), despite the storm sitting around 200km (124 miles) offshore.
Television footage showed surfers riding in the huge seas and people strolling near the beaches, forcing officials to warn residents to stay indoors or prepare to evacuate when asked.
"This isn't a time for sightseeing or for seeing what it's like to experience these conditions firsthand. Please stay safe. Be sensible," Mr Albanese said.
Nearly 40 people rescued from flood waters
In New South Wales, heavy rains lashed down and 39 people had been rescued from flood waters.
One man remained missing after being swept down a river, officials in the state said.
Flights have been cancelled from Sunshine Coast Airport, which is nearest the storm, along with Brisbane Airport that serves Australia's third-most populous city.
Public transport in Brisbane has also been suspended.
Officials had described Tropical Storm Alfred as a "very rare event" for Brisbane, Queensland's state capital, with the city last hit by a cyclone more than half a century ago in 1974.
Discussing the delayed election announcement, Mr Albanese said: "I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do. And what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time."
A national election must be held by mid-May, but had been expected to happen early so the government could avoid delivering a budget forecast that could show a deficit.
"It is our intention to serve a full term," Mr Albanese said in a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Warship rescues rower in peril
Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus, 44, was rowing the 7,500 miles from San Diego, California, to Brisbane by himself when he became stranded in treacherous conditions generated by the storm last week.
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As he rolled 30 times in his partially enclosed boat - in his own words, "like a cat in a washing machine" - an Australian warship battled 16-metre (52-foot) swells to rescue him on Monday.
A relieved Mr Mockus told reporters in Sydney he thought he was going to die when he activated his emergency beacon on 28 February and waited three days to be rescued.
"I have a lot of problems in my body," he said. "And then I think if I lost my mind, if I lost my belief, what I can fight for my life (with)?"
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