Cyclone Koji nears North Queensland as communities take shelter

The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded the Coral Sea system to a Category 2 cyclone expected to cross near Townsville about 4am Sunday, and emergency 'take shelter now' alerts and warnings about heavy rain and possible life-threatening flash flooding are in place along parts of the coast.

Cyclone Koji has been upgraded to a Category 2 system by the Bureau of Meteorology and is forecast to cross the Queensland coast near Townsville at about 4am Sunday. Emergency alerts and warnings are active for sections of the north-east and central Queensland coast. Local communities reported preparations on Saturday and some services, including flights, were cancelled. Heavy rain is expected to intensify Sunday with a risk of dangerous, life-threatening flash flooding. What is known: - The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded the system to a Category 2 cyclone and forecast landfall near Townsville around 4am Sunday. - The formal warning zone covers the coast from Innisfail to Mackay, including Palm Island, Bowen, and the Whitsundays. - Multiple 'take shelter now' emergency alerts are active between Townsville and Airlie Beach, and some local preparations and service cancellations were reported. - Authorities have warned that heavy rain could lead to dangerous, life-threatening flash flooding. Summary: Cyclone Koji is forecast to make landfall near Townsville early Sunday and to track along parts of the Queensland coast. Authorities have issued shelter alerts and warned of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Further changes will depend on the cyclone's track and intensity as reported by meteorological agencies.