Koji had been downgraded to a Category one cyclone. Photo / Bureau of Meteorology
Tropical Cyclone Koji has crossed the North Queensland coast, as communities south of Townsville are smashed by rain and winds.
Koji – downgraded overnight to a category one system – crossed into the Australian mainland at about 9am AEST, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Dean Narramore.
“Koji is crossing the coast right now between Ayr and Bowen and that’s bringing strong to locally damaging winds and also widespread heavy rainfall that’s going to lead to widespread flooding in the coming days on top of what is already going on through parts of Queensland,” the meteorologist said.
“Strongest winds are occurring over Whitsunday Islands,” the weather bureau said.
“After crossing, it will weaken rapidly before tracking westwards. Heavy rain may persist through the region through Sunday and into Monday.”
Warnings are in place from Ayr to Mackay, including Whitsunday Islands, Bowen and Proserpine, with the cyclone warning cancelled for Townsville.
The cyclone is expected to bring destructive wind gusts of up to 130km/h from Saturday evening at coastal locations from south of Townsville to Proserpine.
Towns north of the cyclone are likely to see “little if any action or heavy rainfall”, Narramore said – however, it is a different story south of the weather system.
“Widespread heavy rainfall from around Mackay all the way up to around the Ayr region and everywhere in between has seen 50mm to 150mm, with isolated falls above 200mm,” he told the ABC.
“... they’re the kind of numbers we’re going to see again today as this system moves inland.”
A severe weather warning has been issued for a larger area about the northeast and central Queensland coasts, with the Bureau expecting heavy to locally intense rainfall in excess of 400mm in some parts.
On Saturday evening, Queensland police issued a series of emergency alerts for the Burdekin and Whitsunday regions, urging residents to prepare.
“Destructive winds are expected to strengthen overnight. TAKE SHELTER NOW,” the alert reads.
The Whitsunday local disaster management group has issued a flood watch and act warning, saying the Don River is expected to peak overnight.
Residents of Bowen have been urged to monitor conditions, warn neighbours and prepare to move to higher ground if conditions change.
“With forecast rainfall, minor flooding is possible at Bowen Pump Station from Sunday morning, and moderate flooding is possible from Sunday afternoon,” the bureau warns.
“Further river level rises are possible with forecast rainfall.”
Before the storm, a telecommunications cable was cut and the copper stolen.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said Optus customers and NBN users could be impacted by the theft.
“My message to that low-life is you have put at risk the lives of north Queenslanders in their hour of need and you can’t get a lower act,” he said.
Crisafulli also announced support for farmers, as the wild weather ravaged local producers.
It is estimated that 40,000 cattle have been lost in the deluge, with this number tipped to rise in the coming days.
Both the federal and Queensland governments have activated funds to support primary producers in flooded areas.
Under the joint plan, farmers can claim eligible vet bills associated with the cost and welfare of productive livestock, including the disposal of any carcasses on their property.
Additionally, farmers can claim up to A$5000 per property for essentials including fodder, building and fencing materials, machinery or animals for restocking.
“We are also urgently bringing extra supplies of things like antibiotics in, because the big risk for animals in an event like this are things like pneumonia and getting bacterial infection when they’re standing in water,” the Premier said.
“So we’re urgently trying to provide veterinary care to be able to minimise those losses.”
Addressing media on Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding will become a risk along the Queensland East Coast.
“Heavy rain is already falling, of course, and is expected to continue over the weekend,” he said.
“Once again, I remind people, if it’s flooded, forget it. Do not risk it. If there is water on the road and you can’t see the bitumen, then you don’t know what is below the water. And too many lives have been risked in people thinking that they can just drive through.”
Authorities urged residents to secure their properties by fuelling or charging vehicles and parking them undercover (not under trees), bringing outdoor items inside or securing them – including caravans, trailers, furniture, gas bottles and play equipment – and unplugging all electrical items.
Locals should also fill containers and the bath with drinking water, then turn off their water supply if possible.
Additionally, emergency kits should be prepared and include a battery-powered radio, torch and spare batteries, five days’ worth of tinned food, packet food and bottled water, clothing for five days, and essential medications.
When possible people should check in with vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
In a life-threatening emergency, call triple-0 (000). For cyclone assistance, contact the SES on 132 500.
Crisafulli said about 60 SES flood boats, multiple rescue helicopters, and almost half a million sandbags are propositioned in the area.
Fifteen councils have been activated for assistance including primary producer support, loans, fodder drops, and small business support.
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