EX-TROPICAL CYCLONE KOJI BRINGS CHAOS TO NORTH QUEENSLAND: 14,000 Homes Left Without Power, Flash Flooding Wreaks Havoc and Residents Warned to ‘Forget It’ If Roads Are Flooded
- Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji crosses north Queensland coast, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that have left thousands without power
- Flash flooding warnings in place for coastal areas between Ayr and St Lawrence, with the danger set to extend south towards Rockhampton from Monday
- Residents urged to stay indoors and avoid floodwaters, with authorities warning of a ‘real chance’ of flash flooding in some areas
- Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson says authorities are ‘really concerned’ about the amount of water associated with the cyclone, warning residents to be wary of floodwaters
Panic is gripping north Queensland as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji continues to wreak havoc on the region, leaving 14,000 homes without power and sparking flash flooding warnings in several areas.
The system, which crossed the coast near Ayr on Sunday, has brought heavy rainfall and strong winds that have caused chaos in the Whitsundays and Mackay region. Ergon Energy reports that most outages are in the Whitsundays and Mackay area.
Forecaster Angus Hines warned that the worst of the strong winds was expected to be ‘done and dusted’ by midday, but the heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with several flood warnings in place.
“The persistent heavy rain and potential for flooding is really on the southern flank of this system,” Mr Hines said. “We’re expecting falls between 100mm and 200mm across a large part of north Queensland, with falls as far south as Rockhampton.”
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson urged residents to be cautious, saying authorities were ‘really concerned’ about the amount of water associated with the cyclone. “The big message is, if it’s flooded, forget it. Don’t go sightseeing. There’s a real chance of flash flooding in some areas,” he said.
Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins said the impact of the storm was being felt, with the area already receiving about 150mm of rain and some roads impacted by floodwaters. “It’s howling out there at the moment,” he said.
Residents are being warned to stay indoors and avoid floodwaters, with authorities urging people to report and stay away from any downed powerlines. Ergon Energy spokesperson Justin Coomber said the company would restore power as soon as it was safe to do so.
In an emergency, residents are urged to phone Triple Zero. The Bureau of Meteorology has cancelled its warning for Townsville, but major flood warnings remain in place for north Queensland catchments, including the Pioneer River, Georgina River, and Flinders River.