Koji’s Impact

How the First Tropical Cyclone of 2026 Unfolded Across Mackay

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji was the first tropical cyclone of the 2026 season to impact North Queensland, bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall and flooding concerns to coastal and inland communities, including the Mackay Shire.

The system developed in the Coral Sea before intensifying into a tropical cyclone, marking the official start of the 2026 cyclone season. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Koji reached category two strength while offshore before weakening as it approached the North Tropical Coast. Despite this downgrade, the system continued to pose a significant threat due to intense rainfall, strong wind gusts and the potential for river rises and flash flooding.

As Koji tracked westward towards the coast, emergency services and local disaster management groups across North Queensland activated preparedness and response measures to ensure communities were informed and supported. Forecasts indicated the system would cross the coast between Townsville and Bowen before continuing south and weakening further, with impacts expected to be felt across multiple local government areas.

Koji crossed the coast at reduced intensity; however, saturated catchments, ongoing rainfall and rising river levels prolonged the impacts well beyond landfall. Localised flooding, road closures and isolation concerns followed, highlighting the challenges often associated with wet season systems, even after they weaken below tropical cyclone strength.

The event served as a timely reminder of the unpredictability of the North Queensland wet season and the importance of preparedness early in the year.

Burdekin Life have prepared a comprehensive timeline and in-depth coverage into the event, outlining how Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji unfolded across the Mackay Shire, detailing key warnings, emergency responses and significant developments from Saturday through to Tuesday.

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Photo credit: Joseph Borg