An "extremely rare" and "dangerous" cyclone was filmed from space churning up clouds over the Indian Ocean.

Footage taken by the International Space Station shows the terrifying Cyclone Freddy covering vast swathes of the sea as it approached Madagascar on February 17.

Freddy, currently equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to reach Madagascar Tuesday evening, bringing heavy rain and winds.

The tropical cyclone was said to have up to an 8,000-kilometre track that could cover Canada's width. The Weather Network reported that it had broken cyclone energy records on February 19, surpassing previous record-holder Cyclone Fantala.

An 'extremely rare' and 'dangerous' cyclone was filmed from space churning up clouds over the Indian Ocean.

Footage taken by the International Space Station shows the terrifying Cyclone Freddy covering vast swathes of the sea as it approached Madagascar on February 17.

Freddy, currently equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to reach Madagascar Tuesday evening, bringing heavy rain and winds.

The tropical cyclone was said to have up to an 8,000-kilometre track that could cover Canada's width. The Weather Network reported that it had broken cyclone energy records on February 19, surpassing previous record-holder Cyclone Fantala.