Tropical Cyclone Koji Nearing Northeast Queensland Coast as Impacts Intensify

Cyclone Koji update issued at 10:52 pm EST on Saturday, 10 January 2026

Tropical Cyclone Koji (12U) continues to move closer to the northeast Queensland coastline, with impacts expected to increase significantly overnight and into Sunday morning ahead of the system’s forecast landfall. Authorities have issued a top-priority warning for communities along the central and north tropical coast, urging residents to complete preparations immediately and remain alert to rapidly changing conditions.

Cyclone Koji Current Warning and Affected Areas

The warning zone now extends from south of Lucinda to Mackay, including major population centres and island communities such as Townsville, Palm Island, Bowen, Proserpine, and the Whitsunday Islands. These areas are expected to experience the most severe impacts as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast.

There is currently no watch zone in effect, while the cancelled zone includes coastal areas from Innisfail to Lucinda, where the threat has eased as Koji tracks further south.

Emergency broadcasters serving communities between Ayr and Proserpine, including Bowen and Airlie Beach, have been requested to use the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) prior to transmitting cyclone warnings due to the increasing risk to life and property.

Current Position and Intensity of Tropical Cyclone Koji

As of 10:00 pm AEST, Tropical Cyclone Koji is classified as a Category 2 system. Sustained winds near the centre are estimated at 95 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h, particularly in exposed coastal and island locations.

The cyclone’s centre is located within 55 kilometres of 17.9° South and 147.9° East, placing it approximately 190 kilometres northeast of Townsville and about 205 kilometres east-southeast of Innisfail. Koji is currently moving southward at around 11 km/h, maintaining a steady approach toward the Queensland coast.

Expected Track and Landfall Timing of Cyclone Koji 

Tropical Cyclone Koji is moving south through the Coral Sea and is forecast to make coastal landfall on Sunday morning, most likely between Townsville and Bowen. Once the system crosses the coast, it is expected to weaken as it moves inland, then track generally westward across northern Queensland.

Although weakening is expected after landfall, hazardous conditions may persist inland for several hours, particularly due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

• Hazardous Weather Conditions Expected
• Destructive and Damaging Winds

Destructive wind gusts of up to 130 km/h are possible during Sunday morning, particularly about exposed coastal areas from south of Townsville to Airlie Beach. These winds are capable of causing significant damage to buildings, power infrastructure, trees, and marine facilities.

Gales with damaging wind gusts up to 100 km/h are already beginning to affect parts of the Whitsunday Islands and are forecast to extend to coastal communities between Lucinda and Airlie Beach overnight or in the early hours of Sunday. There is also the potential for gales to extend further south toward Mackay and adjacent inland areas during Sunday morning.

Once Koji moves inland later on Sunday, winds are expected to ease rapidly, reducing the risk of further wind damage.

Heavy and Intense Rainfall in Forecast

Rainfall poses one of the most serious threats from Tropical Cyclone Koji. Heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding is forecast to develop tonight from Ingham to Proserpine.

Of particular concern is the risk of locally intense rainfall between Townsville and Proserpine, where dangerous and potentially life-threatening flash flooding is possible later tonight. These conditions may expand southward toward Mackay on Sunday, increasing the risk of river rises, road closures, and isolation of communities.

Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to closely monitor warnings and avoid travel during periods of heavy rain.

Coastal and marine conditions as Koji closes!

Tides along the coast between Cardwell and Mackay are expected to be higher than normal over the weekend due to the influence of the cyclone. However, current forecasts indicate that tides should not exceed the highest astronomical tide of the year. Despite this, coastal erosion, dangerous surf, and hazardous marine conditions are likely.

A Severe Weather Warning remains in effect for damaging winds and heavy to locally intense rainfall across parts of the northeast and central Queensland coasts. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are also current and may be upgraded as conditions evolve.

Safety Advice and Preparedness for Cyclone Koji

Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take this situation seriously. People living between Ayr and Proserpine, including Bowen and Airlie Beach, should complete all preparations immediately and be ready to shelter in a safe place as conditions deteriorate.

Communities between Lucinda and Mackay, including Townsville, Palm Island, and the Whitsunday Islands, are advised to take precautions now and closely monitor official updates, with the next formal advice scheduled for 2:00 am.

Residents are strongly encouraged to remain informed by checking local government disaster dashboards, listening to emergency broadcasts, and following official warnings issued by meteorological and emergency management authorities.

As Tropical Cyclone Koji approaches landfall, conditions may change rapidly. Continued vigilance and early action will be critical to ensuring safety during this unfolding weather event.

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