Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji Moves Inland, Bringing Life-Threatening Rainfall and Flash Flood Risk Across Queensland

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji has now moved inland west of Proserpine, but its impacts across Queensland are far from over. As of 4:43 pm EST on Sunday, 11 January 2026, the system continues to generate heavy to locally intense rainfall across a wide region, raising serious concerns about flash flooding, landslips, and riverine flooding through tonight and into Monday.

Current Weather Situation due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji

After crossing the coast earlier, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji has weakened as a tropical system but remains a powerful rain-bearing weather feature. The system is now tracking inland with a west-northwesterly movement expected overnight across the northern Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Moist onshore winds and strong low-level convergence south of the system are sustaining widespread rainfall over coastal and adjacent inland regions.

While destructive winds associated with the cyclone phase have eased, the dominant hazard has shifted decisively to rainfall. Meteorological conditions remain highly favourable for prolonged and intense rain bands, particularly over already saturated catchments.

Severe Weather Warning: Heavy to Locally Intense Rainfall due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji

A Severe Weather Warning remains in force for large areas of central and eastern Queensland. Heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding is likely along coastal and nearby inland areas between Ayr and St Lawrence today, with impacts potentially extending south to Rockhampton into Monday.

Forecast rainfall totals are significant:

• Six-hourly rainfall totals of 80 to 150 mm are likely in many areas.

• Twenty-four-hour totals of 150 to 250 mm are expected.

• Isolated locations may receive more than 340 mm in a 24-hour period.

Further inland, heavy rainfall is forecast to develop from this evening and persist into Monday across the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 70 to 120 mm are likely, increasing the risk of dangerous flash flooding in inland communities not typically exposed to cyclone-related rainfall.

Risk of Dangerous and Life-Threatening Flash Flooding

The most serious threat remains locally intense rainfall, particularly in coastal and elevated inland areas between Bowen and St Lawrence. In these locations, isolated six-hourly rainfall totals exceeding 250 mm remain possible today.

As the system moves inland, the risk zone for intense rainfall is forecast to expand. Parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district may experience locally intense rainfall later this evening and into Monday, with isolated six-hourly totals exceeding 150 mm possible.

Authorities have warned that a Severe Thunderstorm Warning may be issued at short notice if intense rainfall is detected within thunderstorms embedded in the broader rain areas.

Compounding Hazards: Saturated Ground, Trees, and Landslips due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji

Underlying wet soils across much of northeast and central Queensland are increasing secondary hazards. Trees are more likely to fall, particularly in gusty showers or thunderstorms, posing risks to homes, vehicles, and power infrastructure. Landslips are also possible in steep and hilly terrain, especially in areas experiencing prolonged heavy rain.

Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for large parts of Queensland, reflecting the growing risk of river rises and overland flooding as rainfall continues.

Areas and Communities at Risk due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji

Communities that may be affected by ongoing severe weather include:

• Emerald

• Rockhampton

• Clermont

• Mackay

• Biloela

• Moranbah

• St Lawrence

• Carnarvon National Park

• Woorabinda

• Aberfoyle

• Blackwater

• Yeppoon

Severe weather conditions have eased in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin district, and the warning for that area has now been cancelled.

Significant Rainfall Observations Induced by Tropical Cyclone Koji

Rainfall totals recorded so far highlight the severity of the event:

• 291 mm at Mount William in six hours

• 264 mm at Upper Finch Hatton Creek in six hours

• 255 mm at Clarke Range in six hours

• 241 mm at Ridgelands in six hours

• 223 mm at Sennini’s Road in six hours

• 217 mm at Finch Hatton Showgrounds in six hours

These extreme short-duration totals significantly increase the risk of flash flooding, rapid creek rises, and infrastructure damage.

Safety Advice and Community Preparedness

Emergency services strongly advise residents in affected areas to take precautions immediately. People are urged to remain indoors in strong buildings, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and keep children close and supervised. Vehicles should be parked undercover and away from trees where possible.

Residents are also advised to:

• Close doors and windows

• Keep asthma medications readily accessible

• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages

• Secure pets in safe locations and ensure they can be identified

• Stay informed through official warnings and local disaster dashboards

Conditions remain dangerous, and authorities stress that driving during flooding or intense rainfall can be life-threatening.

Ongoing Monitoring and Next Update

Warnings remain active and are being closely monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services. The next Severe Weather Warning is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Sunday, with updates also available via television, radio, and official warning platforms.

*/While Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji has weakened since landfall, its rainfall impacts pose a serious and ongoing threat. Communities across central and coastal Queensland are urged to remain vigilant, follow official advice, and prepare for continued hazardous conditions through the night and into Monday./*

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