Tropical Cyclone Koji brings severe flooding across north and central Queensland, Australia
Tropical Cyclone Koji brought torrential rainfall and widespread flooding to north and central Queensland on January 12, 2026, following its landfall near Ayr and Bowen a day before. Major flood warnings are in effect for multiple river systems, with rainfall totals of up to 600 mm (24 inches) in some areas, while thousands of customers remain without power. Emergency crews have conducted rescues and evacuations as the system moves inland, continuing to produce heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Satellite image of ex-tropical cyclone as of 08:10 UTC on January 12, 2026. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji continues to cause extensive flooding and infrastructure disruptions across north and central Queensland after making landfall near Ayr and Bowen around 10:00 LT on January 11. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the system was downgraded to a tropical low later that day but has maintained an active monsoonal rainband while tracking inland.
Stations across the Fitzroy, Isaac, and Connors river basins recorded over 300 mm (12 inches) in six hours and over 600 mm (24 inches) in 48 hours. This caused rapid rises in creeks and rivers, leading to major flooding in multiple catchments. BoM has issued major flood warnings for the Isaac, Connors, Pioneer, and Fitzroy rivers.
Clermont, Dysart, and Moranbah were among the worst hit by flash flooding, with roads and low-lying properties affected. Emergency services conducted numerous rescues for residents trapped in vehicles and flooded homes. Local authorities advised against all non-essential travel in affected regions.
Large sections of the Bruce Highway were closed due to flooding and washouts. The Mackay-Eungella Range Road was struck by landslides, isolating nearby communities. The Queensland Police Service reported continued road closures across inland transport corridors.
Over 10 000 customers were left without electricity following Koji’s coastal passage. Utility crews are working to restore power as floodwaters recede, but access issues have slowed operations in some rural areas. Telecommunications services have also been disrupted in parts of central Queensland.
Koji formed over the Coral Sea under favorable conditions, with sea-surface temperatures above 29°C (84°F) and low vertical wind shear. The system strengthened to a Category 2 cyclone before landfall on January 11, with estimated maximum sustained winds (averaged over 10-minutes) of 100 km/h (62 mph) and gusts of over 140 km/h (87 mph). After crossing the coast, Koji weakened rapidly but continued to transport deep tropical moisture inland.
The system’s remnants brought widespread rainfall and isolated severe thunderstorms across central Queensland and the southern interior on January 12. BoM warned that flood risks remain high due to saturated catchments and continuing inflow into river systems. Secondary flooding is expected in low-lying agricultural zones downstream.
Emergency Management Queensland and the State Disaster Coordination Centre remain activated. Shelters are operating in parts of the Isaac and Mackay regions, and additional rainfall alerts have been issued for the Gold Coast and southeastern districts as Koji’s moisture plume moves east.
Koji is the second named storm of the 2025–26 Australian cyclone season. It is expected to dissipate over inland Queensland within 48 hours, though its remnants may continue to deliver localized heavy rainfall before weakening completely.
References:
1 Severe weather update: Tropical Cyclone Koji crossing the Qld coast – BoM – January 11, 2026
2 Destruction sweeps Queensland as ex-tropical cyclone Koji makes landfall – News.com.au – January 12, 2026
3 Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji makes landfall in north Queensland, bringing heavy rain – as it happened – ABC – January 11, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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