Australia's north-east escaped the worst of Cyclone Ita, which had been expected to wreak havoc and bring dangerous storm tides over the weekend.

However, it weakened and was downgraded.

There were no reports of injuries, though some communities faced power cuts and there was minor damage to buildings. However, Queensland premier Campbell Newman urged residents to stay at home or in shelters as wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour and heavy rain were still forecast for some areas. The cyclone was yesterday expected to head back out to sea.