Far north Queensland is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Koji makes landfall, unleashing torrential rain and damaging winds across the region. The severe weather system threatens to cause dangerous flash flooding in communities still recovering from previous deluges.
Storm Makes Landfall with Intense Rainfall
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the category one storm crossed the coast between Townsville and Bowen on Sunday morning. The system is delivering intense rainfall, with overnight falls of up to 200mm recorded west of Mackay. The bulk of the precipitation is expected over the next 48 hours, saturating already waterlogged catchment areas.
Damaging wind gusts of up to 120km/h are lashing the coast. The Whitsunday Islands, a major tourism hotspot, has already experienced gusts reaching 100km/h, while heavy rain is hammering towns including Ayr and Mackay.
Warnings Issued for Life-Threatening Flash Floods
A severe weather warning is current for areas between Townsville and St Lawrence. The Bureau of Meteorology has explicitly warned of a risk of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding between Townsville and Proserpine. Warnings remain in place for much of the northeast Queensland coast, encompassing Mackay, Bowen, Proserpine, and the Whitsunday Islands.
In the northwest, major flooding continues on the Flinders River, heavily affecting gulf country communities. Significant livestock losses are projected in these areas.
Community and Leaders Rally in Preparation
Local communities have been actively preparing for the cyclone's impact. Federal member for Townsville, Phillip Thompson, was photographed assisting residents with filling sandbags ahead of the severe weather.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli praised the resilience and preparedness of locals. "I do believe that people have prepared brilliantly for the rain that will come," he stated on Sunday. "If Queenslanders continue to do that then I have every faith we will respond following the event."
Crisafulli confirmed that emergency resources, including swift-water rescue craft, police, State Emergency Service officers, and paramedics, were strategically positioned. "The locals know their patch and the challenges," he added, emphasising the collaborative response.
As Cyclone Koji moves inland, it is forecast to weaken rapidly, with gales expected to ease. However, the immediate threat from intense rainfall and potential flash flooding remains the primary concern for authorities and residents across the region.
