Australia tells thousands to evacuate as cyclone nears

Wind gusts snap power links to more than 80,000 homes across Queensland, NSW

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SYDNEY - Thousands of residents in Australia's east were ordered to evacuate ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred's landfall on March 8 as the storm brought heavy rain, huge waves and strong winds that cut off power, eroded beaches and closed airports.

Alfred's slow progress towards the coast fed concern that it could bring a prolonged period of heavy rain. It is expected to hit land as a Category 2 storm north of Brisbane, Australia's third-most populous city, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

"The evacuation centres are a last resort," Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told a news conference on March 7, adding that dozens had been opened.

"Have an evacuation plan if you are in one of those areas," he urged those in the cyclone's path, advising them to secure their homes before evacuating.

"If in doubt, go and stay with friends and families."