An uncommon meteorological event unfolded on Tuesday when six named tropical cyclones were active simultaneously in the southern hemisphere, several in close proximity to one another.

Three developed in the south-west Pacific. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed on 20 February in the Coral Sea to the north-east of Australia, reaching an intensity equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on Thursday with sustained winds of 105mph (170km/h) and gusts at about 140mph.

Alfred is tracking south, moving roughly parallel to the Queensland coast, and warnings have been issued for strong winds and rough seas. Though Alfred is not expected to make landfall, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is monitoring the cyclone as it remains uncertain how close it will pass by the coast.