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, 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.
Incidents and Rescues
One incident that highlights the dangers of the storm is the case of a woman and her two children who entered floodwaters in a vehicle at Bogie, a township west of Bowen, on Sunday morning. The family had been following directions from Google Maps, which had directed them down a side road that was unfortunately flooded. Luckily, they were able to self-extract and walk to a nearby homestead, where they received assistance. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of using reputable sources of information and listening to local advice during times of disaster.
Government Response
The Queensland government has responded quickly to the crisis, with Premier David Crisafulli urging residents to stay up to date with official alerts and warnings. The Premier also emphasized the importance of listening to "locals on the ground" in times of disaster, rather than relying on online maps or other sources of information. The government has set up a disaster website, which provides a single point of truth for information and updates on the storm. Residents are urged to use this website to stay informed and to follow the advice of local authorities.
Forecast and Outlook
The weather bureau has forecast that the system may drift across north-west Queensland for several days as a low, bringing tropical moisture drawn south from today. This is expected to bring heavy rain, with the possibility of flash flooding, the chance of thunderstorms, and strong winds to south-east Queensland from Monday. There is a 70 per cent chance of showers extending into northern NSW, with rain and wind expected to continue into Tuesday before easing from Wednesday. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and to follow the latest updates and warnings from the authorities.
Conclusion
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. The government has responded quickly to the crisis, and residents are urged to stay up to date with official alerts and warnings. The storm is expected to continue to affect the region over the coming days, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast for south-east Queensland and northern NSW. By staying informed and following the advice of local authorities, residents can help to minimize the impact of the storm and stay safe.