Cyclone Alfred LIVE updates: Brisbane, South-east Queensland emergency alerts issued as storm approaches mainland; Lismore likely to flood by morning

There are more than 200,000 homes without power in Queensland and northern NSW as Cyclone Alfred wreaks havoc down the east coast.

Gold coast residents are among the hardest hit, with more than 118,000 homes without electricity. More than 36,000 homes have been plunged into darkness in Redlands and 20,000 in Brisbane.

Strong winds left 35,000 homes and businesses in Northern NSW without power.

Authorities say those figures will rise as the full brunt of the category 1 storm is felt. They advise residents to be prepared by putting together an emergency kit, including a LED battery-powered and waterproof torches and a first-aid kit.

Many local councils have “disaster dashboards” that will let you know about power outages, infrastructure issues, weather updates and the location of evacuation centres. These can be accessed via the state government links, which we have provided here. It also includes emergency contacts.