PM scraps WA visit due to cyclone, plays down poll date

There's no word yet on the election date but polls suggest Anthony Albanese has a stormy time ahead. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

The prime minister has cancelled a visit to Western Australia ahead of the upcoming state election due to the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while hosing down speculation about the date of the federal poll.

The category two system is bearing down on Queensland and northern NSW and is due to cross the coast on Thursday or early Friday, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds.