Residents ‘Smashed’ as Cyclone Barrels Towards Coast

Federal Member for Townsville Phillip Thompson (L) helps local residents fill sandbags in preparation for severe weather event in Townsville, Australia, on Jan. 10, 2026. AAP Image/Scott Radford-Chisholm

Residents are being “smashed” by heavy rain and fierce wind gusts as Tropical Cyclone Koji crosses the coast in far north Queensland.

Wind gusts up to 100 km/h have brought down trees and fences as the cyclone tracks south to south west, with residents from Bowen to Mackay in the firing line as the system crosses the coast, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.