Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central Coast and Whitsundays and parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:06 am Sunday, 11 January 2026.

TROPICAL CYCLONE KOJI IS APPROACHING THE NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST, BRINGING HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS TODAY.

Weather Situation: Tropical Cyclone Koji (12U) is currently a Category 1 tropical cyclone and is continuing to move south towards the northeast Queensland coast. Koji is forecast to cross the coast as a Category 1 tropical cyclone later this morning south of Ayr.

For COASTAL AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 100 km/h are expected to continue about exposed coastal parts between Townsville and Mackay this morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is developing along coastal parts between Townsville and St Lawrence this morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 150 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 340 mm possible. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop later this morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 150 mm possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible about coastal areas between Townsville and Proserpine this morning before extending to Mackay later today, with isolated six-hourly falls in excess of 230 mm possible.

Conditions to persist today over southern parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays, before possibly easing during Monday.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued. Please refer to Tropical Cyclone warnings and forecast track maps at https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone.

A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds is current for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.

Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.

For all other current warnings and watches please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, Proserpine, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, Carmila, and St Lawrence.

104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Hamilton Island at 4:03 am.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.