Key freight routes are slowly reopening as ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji moves inland today, but authorities are warning of a dangerous flash flooding risk as intense rainfall continues to batter the sodden North Queensland region.
The Bureau of Meteorology said flash flooding is likely along coastal and adjacent inland parts between Mackay and Rockhampton today with six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 150mm predicted.
Up to 250mm of rain is expected across the region in the next 24 hours with isolated falls as high as 340mm.
Locations which may be affected include Emerald, Rockhampton, Clermont, Mackay, Biloela and Moranbah.
The category one cyclone crossed the north Queensland coast between Ayr and Bowen about 9am on Sunday before weakening to a tropical low-pressure system.
Leanne Dyer, the administrator for the On The Pads “QLD EDITION” Facebook group, posted the latest road closures below.
According to the BOM’s seven-day forecast map, Koji is expected to weaken further and move west and then north-west through the Gulf Country and towards the Northern Territory.
It could then potentially shift towards northern WA next weekend, where it is a chance of redeveloping into a tropical cyclone if it moves off the coast.
Last week the Queensland Trucking Association issued an urgent plea to the Queensland Government for industry subsidy support to off-set the financial hit operators are taking in the on-going flood crisis in the state.