A slow-moving tropical storm crossed islands off Australia’s heavily populated eastern coast late Friday, lashing coastal suburbs with destructive winds and dumping heavy rain across the region.

Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a tropical low, as it approaches Australia’s eastern coast. Although the speed at which Alfred is travelling has slowed, Brisbane locals have been sent a stark warning of what might be to come.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has crossed the islands off the coast of Queensland as a category one system, bringing with it destructive winds and heavy rain. An emergency alert was issued for Moreton Island just before 6pm on Friday night, telling residents to take shelter immediately as the impact of the storm was being felt.