Norfolk Island has avoided the strongest winds but still faced a wild night and widespread damage as Cyclone Gabrielle passed directly over the Australian territory.
The centre of the category two storm passed near the South Pacific island about 9pm local time on Saturday, with the ABC reporting residents downed trees, blocked roads and widespread power outages early in the night.
Gabrielle hit with sustained winds near the centre of 110km/h, with gusts to 155km/h, falling short of warnings of possible sustained winds up to 140km/h, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
