Whitsundays Weathered by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji

By Sebastian Conidi and Daniel Heggie

Severe weather warnings of heavy rainfall and damaging weather winds evolved overnight into news of a cyclone, as the Whitsundays was impacted by its first extreme weather event of 2026.

Beginning with a severe weather warning Friday morning due to a tropical low in the Coral Sea, by Saturday afternoon the public were advised to take shelter and secure their properties as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji approached the area. Koji reached category two strength whilst offshore and weakened as it approached the North Tropical Coast. Even with the downgrade, the effects of the extreme weather event were felt.

As the cyclone approached, warnings were issued by government bodies on multiple social media platforms as well as text being sent from +61 444 444 444, the emergency alert number advising everyone to take shelter. Sandbags were made available for residents in low-lying or flood prone areas and could be accessed at pickup locations across Proserpine, Canonvale, Bowen and Collinsville. By Saturday night the cyclone approached with wind gusts of up to 130 kilometers an hour and was downgraded to a category one weather system as it hit the coast.

By Sunday morning, as the supportive phone lines were activated, the damage was clear.

Boats were destroyed as they got swept up in the wind or crashed against rocks. Intense rainfall resulted in flash flooding, causing multiple roads and highways to be closed. In the aftermath, fallen trees obstructed various paths whilst potholes created difficult driving conditions.

As people lost their livelihoods whether it was damage to homes or complete wreckage of boats, the community came together without hesitation to offer support to whoever needed it; collecting debris and providing whatever aid necessary. The overwhelming aid response served as a testament to the Whitsundays community, highlighting the positive group action that arises when people are in need.

The event highlighted the unpredictability of the North Queensland wet season and demonstrated the importance of remaining vigilant during this time of the year.

Whitsunday Life has compiled a detailed timeline and extensive reporting on the event, tracking the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji across the region, including critical alerts, emergency actions, and major developments from Saturday to Tuesday.

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