The forecast comes days after an expansive storm similarly trekked across the U.S. last week, unloading snow in the northern Plains and bringing tornadoes and wildfires to the South. At least five storm-related deaths in Nebraska and Mississippi were tied to that storm.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded but more than 250,00 homes and businesses have already lost power in Queensland and New South Wales, while at least 39 people have been rescued from flood waters.

The strongest wave of a powerful winter storm reached Southern California overnight, bringing flash flood warnings, dropping snow levels and a possible tornado.