Brace yourselves, Queensland! The remnants of ex-cyclone Koji are unleashing a torrent of rain, threatening to bring 'life-threatening flash flooding' to communities already reeling from record rainfall. This is a developing situation, and it's crucial to stay informed. But here's where it gets intense…
On January 12, 2026, the storm, initially classified as a Category 2 cyclone, was downgraded before making landfall between Ayr and Bowen. Now, it's moving westward, bringing its fury to areas still recovering from the new year's deluge. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings for intense rainfall and flash flooding across inland regions, spanning from Mackay to Gladstone.
Meteorologist Christie Johnson predicts scattered thunderstorms across the state's southeast, focusing on the Sunshine Coast hinterland and moving south. The risk of severe thunderstorms extends to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and potentially even into New South Wales' Northern Rivers and parts of the Darling Downs.
Several rivers in Central and North Queensland are expected to flood in the coming days, including the Connors and Isaac rivers, with predictions that they will surpass the flood levels experienced during ex-tropical cyclone Oswald. The primary concern is flash flooding, which could quickly overwhelm communities. The storm's westward journey also means more rain for areas still battling the aftermath of previous floods.
Johnson noted the storm's potential to reach the Northern Territory and even the Kimberley region. There's a 10-15% chance that if it reaches the waters off the north coast of Western Australia, it could redevelop into a cyclone.
Overnight, some areas, like Clermont, inland of Rockhampton, experienced heavy rainfall, receiving approximately 25% of their average annual rainfall in just 12 hours. This has led to flash flooding and swollen rivers, threatening areas like Yatton, a significant cattle farming property near Rockhampton.
Premier David Crisafulli has highlighted the government's disaster response, including delivering essential supplies to cattle in western Queensland, where over 40,000 animals have already been lost this year. He praised the preparedness of local communities, which has helped to prevent any loss of life so far.
Overnight, the State Emergency Service (SES) rescued five people, and by Monday morning, they had received 158 requests for assistance. An additional 60 SES personnel have been deployed to the most affected regions. Communities are showing resilience, quickly recovering from the heavy winds and rainfall.
What do you think? Are you in one of the affected areas? How are you preparing for the ongoing weather event? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We're all in this together, and your insights could help others.
