The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for parts of Victoria, including Melbourne. Expect heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding for northern and western Victoria, from Wednesday night, extending into central and north-eastern parts of Victoria on Thursday morning. Total rainfall of between 30 to 50 mm is expected overnight. Damaging winds above 90km/h for elevated terrain are also expected to lash central and eastern Victoria from Thursday morning.
Severe Weather Warning
A strong cold front is moving over western Victoria late on Wednesday, before shifting eastward over central parts of the state on Thursday. This will cause widespread areas of heavy rainfall, as well as damaging wind gusts over elevated terrain. The heavy rain is expected to affect those in Melbourne, Geelong, Mildura, Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
The Bureau expects six-hourly rainfall totals of between 30 mm and 50mm, with isolated, heavier rainfalls of 65mm. The 24 hour rainfall total for Thursday is expected to reach 50 to 80mm, with isolated totals to 120mm over higher terrain. The rain is expected to ease from the west on Thursday night, and clear during Friday morning.
This heavy rain will increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads, so caution is advised. Flash flooding may be a risk, including in the Melbourne area on Thursday afternoon and evening.
There are currently Flood Warnings for catchments across northern, central and eastern Victoria. A Flood Watch is also current for catchments in parts of southern Victoria, as well as the northern regions. A moderate Flood Warning is currently on for the Loddon River. Minor Flood Warnings have been issued for the Avoca River, Kiewa River and Snowy River.
Victorian State Emergency Service Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch advises you to avoid travelling on Thursday if possible. “Large areas of flash flooding is expected on Thursday, and then the possibility of major riverine flooding in multiple catchments,” he said. “Please do not attempt to drive through flood water.”
If you live near a river, such as the Yarra River, Werribee River or Maribrynong River, stay alert and keep an eye on Vic Emergency for the latest warnings in your area.
Advice from the State Emergency Service
Avoid travel if possible. However, if you must drive, and find yourself in dangerous driving conditions, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid hazards like floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
Be aware, as trees might be more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet. Secure loose items like umbrellas and trampolines. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
Stay indoors and away from windows. If you are outdoors, stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways. Keep away from fallen powerlines and always assume that they are live.
Keep an eye on Bureau of Meteorology for updates and further information. You can also download the VicEmergency app, see updates on Facebook and Twitter, or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for information. Keep an eye on VicTraffic for traffic alerts. Call VICSES on 132 500 for a flood, storm or landslide emergency. If your situation is a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for help.