Australians are bracing for Cyclone Alfred, as its first effects are felt. 

The slow-moving storm is expected to reach the coast of Southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales tonight or early tomorrow morning. 

Queensland's energy supplier is reporting more than 20-thousand customers are without power, of which more than 17 thousand were on the Gold Coast. 

Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens 12 metre waves have been seen, and a couple of people have been taken to hospital, having been knocked over in the surf.