Tropical depression 12U, located northeast of Ayr town (Queensland, Australia), strengthened into a storm in the afternoon of January 10 (local time).
Tropical Storm Koji is currently located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of the Northern Tropical Coast of Queensland, and is moving south, gradually heading towards the mainland.
According to the Australian Meteorological Agency, Typhoon Koji is likely to approach the Ayr area around the morning of January 11 (local time) at intensity level 2 according to the storm scale in Australia.
The storm is moving south at a speed of about 13 km/h. The strongest wind in the area near the storm center maintains a speed of 95km/h, gusts of 130 km/h.
After officially making landfall, the storm will weaken into a low pressure area around the morning of January 11 and move mainly westward.
Dangerous gusts of wind up to 130 km/h may occur from tonight to early Sunday morning in open coastal areas, from south of Townsville to Proserpine.
Strong winds with dangerous gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected to develop in coastal areas from Cardwell to Airlie Beach this afternoon or tonight. Strong winds can knock down trees, power poles and blow away non-fixed outdoor items.
Heavy rain could cause flash floods to form from Ingham to Proserpine tonight. Very heavy localized rain, which could cause dangerous and life-threatening flash floods, is likely to occur in the area from Townsville to Proserpine tonight, then extend down to Mackay on Sunday.
Forecast rainfall in 6 hours could reach 90-170 mm from Cooktown to Mackay, while total rainfall in 24 hours could reach 350 mm. In the following days, the rain center tends to shift south, affecting the central coast of Queensland, Capricornia, the central plateau, and may even spread southeast of the state.
Total multi-day rainfall can reach 500 mm from Cairns to Mackay, and 150-300 mm from Mackay to Gladstone. Specifically, southeastern Queensland, although still uncertain, is still likely to record rainfall of up to 100 mm, mainly on Mondays and Tuesdays next week.
Tourists traveling to Queensland (Australia) or planning to move to this area in the next 3 days should closely monitor weather forecasts, limit travel to coastal areas affected by Typhoon Koji. Prepare safe shelter plans and comply with local authorities' instructions.
The tropical storm season in Australia usually takes place from November to April of the following year, with peak times falling in March-March. During this period, tropical depressions forming on warm seas around Australia may strengthen into tropical storms or strong storms, greatly affecting weather, traffic and tourism.
Areas frequently affected by storms and tropical depressions include: Northern Queensland and the northeastern coast of Australia; Northern and Western Australian territories, especially the coastal Indian Ocean.
Not all storms make landfall, but heavy rain, strong winds and high waves often affect coastal areas and famous tourist destinations.
