Brisbane is a subtropical city of more than 2.5 million people, situated on a flood-prone river. That’s why residents mustn’t get complacent after Cyclone Alfred.

The four large islands off Brisbane are popular getaways for locals. Now, in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, they have another claim to fame: as the city’s protectors from extreme weather.

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver estimated the cost of the storm could be $1.1 billion a day based on the population of affected regions, but that was expected to be a “very short-term impact”. “Then you’ve got this flip side of that, the rebuilding kicks in and that acts as a stimulus,” Oliver said.

Nearly 100,000 homes and businesses across Brisbane and the City of Moreton Bay have been left without power, with residents warned intense rainfall was still to come on Monday.

South East Queensland and northern NSW continue to experience rain and flooding in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Follow our ongoing coverage.

Moderate flooding may occur along the Upper Brisbane River. The Brisbane River at Gregor Creek is currently at 1.02 metres and steady, below the minor flood level (3.50 metres). T

Brisbane bus drivers braved wild conditions to deliver 700 services on Sunday morning before being recalled about 11am but the southeast’s trains and ferries are still offline.