Ex-tropical cyclone Alfred lingered off the south-east Australian coast on Saturday and forecasters said Brisbane is likely to miss the worst of the storm, a relief for millions of residents in the region who have been staying indoors.

One man died in floodwaters, the authorities said, and over 330,000 customers were without power in South East Queensland.

In southern Brisbane, a popular city in Queensland, some from the homeless community have taken refuge at Emmanuel City Mission, filling the floor on rows of inflatable air mattresses. The space, usually a day centre for people needing a shower or a hot meal, has become a round-the-clock shelter.