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.

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.

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.

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

A large swathe of Australia’s east coast is preparing for strong winds and life-threatening flooding as a tropical cyclone is forecast to make landfall around the nation’s third-largest city.