Storms and severe rains hit Norfolk Island, QLD, NSW

The storm is approximately 1410 kilometres northwest of the tiny south pacific island and is expected to hit on Saturday, February 11, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Norfolk Island is not equipped with cyclone-proof shelter, but local emergency controller George Plant told the ABC that generators have been "fuelled up in case the high winds knock the power out."

BoM said Cyclone Gabrielle is producing gale-force winds and high waves that are reaching much farther from the centre than expected.

Queensland's coast has not been hit directly by the storm, but large waves and strong winds could affect exposed areas along the east coast on February 10.

NSW is recovering from flash flooding affecting the south coast, Illawarra and Sydney regions.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) attended more than 600 calls for help including a number of affected residents requesting rescue from their cars during the flooding.

Residents in the Illawarra region were worst hit by the flash flooding, with more than 350 incidents recorded and 21 rescues.