But while authorities have been warning residents to stay indoors as Cyclone Alfred approaches, die-hard surfers have been throwing caution to the increasing wind. "This is what we look forward to," said Jeff Weatherall as he waited for a jet ski to pick him up from Kirra beach and carry him into the big waves.

A senior meteorologist said while the cyclone's movement slowed overnight, that could mean further destruction.

Brisbane airport was closed as the centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast very early Saturday morning, most likely between Noosa and Coolangatta of Queensland accordinng to Australia's Bureau