Heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and coastal surf impact is expected to continue over the coming days, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"Damaging wind gusts are currently occurring about Moreton Bay and extending into some northern Brisbane suburbs due to a southeasterly wind surge interacting with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred," the bureau warned. "These winds are expected to ease overnight as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves further inland."

Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm's expected hit near Brisbane, Australia's 3rd-largest city.