As south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred to cross the coast, an Australian researcher explains what makes this system so unusual.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred could hit the Brisbane CBD, with residents warned of a risk conditions similar to the 2022 floods could hit the state.

Brisbane, Australia hasn't had a direct cyclone landfall in 35 years. Officials warn that Cyclone Alfred could be one of the most destructive storms in decades. Meteorologist Laura Power has all the details.

Australia's east coast braced on Wednesday for a tropical cyclone that is swirling towards Brisbane, the country's third-most populous city, as authorities warned thousands of properties were at risk due to strong winds and flash flooding.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is bearing down on Queensland's southeast coast as a category two system, and could intensify before making landfall on Thursday night.

New Zealanders in Queensland are battening down the hatches or changing their flights home to make a hasty getaway from the state as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. One man who flew to Brisbane for the now-cancelled Green Day concert said,

Australia's east coast prepares for tropical cyclone Alfred, expected to impact Brisbane. The storm could bring strong winds, heavy rains, and flash floods. Authorities have issued warnings and urged evacuations.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon, but direct landfalls are.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and life-threatening floods are expected after the storm made a sudden shift toward Queensland.