Murray Olds: Australia Correspondent says thousands are without power as Cyclone Alfred prepares to make landfall

Intense weather conditions are kicking off along the southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales coast as Cyclone Alfred inches closer. 

It's within 200 kilometres, and is expected to make landfall overnight. 

Energy providers report more than 35,000 homes and businesses are now without power. 

Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Mike Hosking residents are feeling the effects of the tropical cyclone well before it makes landfall. 

He says 450 millimetres of rain is expected for northern rivers, and winds could exceed up to 155 kilometres an hour. 

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