On the prairies near Edmonton, Canadians Susan Coleman and Alex Evanochko have seen their fair share of deadly tornadoes.
Tropical cyclones? Not so much.
But the pair are about to get their first glimpse after being caught short in Brisbane's deserted CBD.
Queen Street Mall is usually the city's beating heart, bustling with people.
But only a handful could be seen wandering around on Friday as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached.
Some were stretching the legs to exercise or relieve boredom after most of Queensland's southeast shut down before Alfred's arrival.
Others appeared to have nowhere else to go, with people sleeping rough making the most of the mall's covered area as the heavens opened.
The rest seemed to be making the most of the mall's remaining stores that were open before Alfred is due to cross the coast on Saturday, becoming the first cyclone in 50 years to impact the southeast.
Ms Coleman and Mr Evanochko were among those clutching sought-after purchases such as bottled water and toilet paper as they navigated the silent streets.
"We've had no problems getting supplies. Alfred is going to hit ... so stocking up has been good," Mr Evanochko said.
The pair had planned to be high and dry by Friday after booking a flight to NSW outback town of Lightning Ridge.
Instead they are bracing for wild weather after Alfred caused their flight to be cancelled.
The category two system will bring destructive winds, heavy rain and flooding to Queensland's southeast and northern NSW.
Ms Coleman and Mr Evanochko are not used to cyclones but the looming system did remind them of a familiar threat.
"We get hurricanes, which are similar," Ms Coleman said.
The Canadian duo hope to surround themselves with yet more water when the cyclone "blows over".
Instead of Lightning Ridge as their next stop, the pair hope to fly up to Cairns in Queensland's far north.
"We're hopefully going to see the Great Barrier Reef, spend a few days snorkelling and swimming," Mr Evanochko said.
