Key Takeaways:
- Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall in North Queensland on Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding to the region.
- The cyclone was downgraded to category 1 before making landfall and weakened below tropical cyclone intensity as it crossed the coast.
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding have been reported in various parts of the region, with over 300 millimeters of rain recorded in some areas.
- Severe weather warnings remain in place for areas between Rockhampton and Ayr, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds expected to persist through Sunday and Monday.
- Residents are urged to stay up to date with official alerts and warnings, and to use reputable sources of information, such as the disaster Queensland website.
Introduction to the Storm
North Queensland residents are on high alert after ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall on Sunday morning, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding. The cyclone was declared a category 2 storm on Saturday evening, but was downgraded to category 1 in the early hours of Sunday. Despite the downgrade, the storm still packed a punch, with strong winds and heavy rainfall causing significant damage and disruption to the region. The cyclone made landfall between Ayr and Bowen at around 10am on Sunday, and has since weakened below tropical cyclone intensity.
Impact of the Storm
The impact of the storm has been significant, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding reported in various parts of the region. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that over 300 millimeters of rain had fallen in the Clarke Range area since 9am on Saturday, with the Mattie O’Neill Bridge over Cattle Creek west of Mackay recording the highest total of 370 millimeters. Other regions between Bowen and Mackay recorded 250-350 millimeters of rain, leading to significant flooding and damage. The severe weather has also caused power outages and disruptions to transportation, with many roads closed due to flooding.
Response to the Storm
The response to the storm has been swift, with emergency services and authorities working to assist those affected. Premier David Crisafulli urged residents to stay up to date with official alerts and warnings, and to use reputable sources of information, such as the disaster Queensland website. He also reminded people to listen to "locals on the ground" in times of disaster, rather than relying on GPS or other navigation systems. This warning came after a woman and her two children entered floodwaters in a vehicle at Bogie, a township west of Bowen, after following directions from Google Maps. Fortunately, they were able to self-extract and walk to a nearby homestead, where they received assistance.
Forecast and Warnings
The weather bureau has warned that the system may drift across north-west Queensland for several days as a low, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds to the region. Severe weather warnings remain in place for areas between Rockhampton and Ayr, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds expected to persist through Sunday and Monday. The heavy rain is expected to continue into Monday, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay vigilant and up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings. The system is also expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to south-east Queensland from Monday, with a 70 per cent chance of showers extending into northern NSW.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji has brought significant disruption and damage to North Queensland, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flash flooding affecting many parts of the region. As the system continues to move across the state, residents are urged to stay up to date with official alerts and warnings, and to use reputable sources of information. The response to the storm has been swift, with emergency services and authorities working to assist those affected. As the region begins to recover from the storm, it is essential that residents remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By staying informed and following the advice of authorities, residents can minimize the risks associated with the storm and help to prevent further damage and disruption.