Residents in regional Victoria are being warned to prepare today for severe thunderstorms that are likely to lead to flash flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Kyneton, Wodonga and Wangaratta over the coming hours.
“This advice is for heavy, locally intense rainfall which may lead to flash flooding which is occurring across this region and will continue into this morning,” the bureau said.
Rainfall totals between 40mm to 70mm are likely over a six-hour period. Local intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible during this period.
Victoria State Emergency Service commander Mark Cattell told Today this morning rising waters in the Campaspe River at the town of Rochester and the Goulburn River at Shepparton were of major concerns.
He urged residents to begin preparing immediately for potential flooding.
“There are sandbags available in Shepperton at the showgrounds. The residents can pick those up and put them around their properties.”
Cattell said households and businesses should allow about 25 sandbags to block some gutters and doors.
There are no current flood rescues, but emergency services had carried out 47 over the past week.
Emergency authorities said residents should be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe thunderstorm, including floodwater, debris and damaged buildings.
VicEmergency today issued a moderate flood warning for the around Lake Eppalock to Barnadown.
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“Recent rainfall totals have caused river levels to rise across the catchment and major flooding is possible at Barnadown from late Monday morning,” VicEmergency said in an update.
Residents are being warned to act now to protect their lives and property by moving to higher ground.
Authorities also issued a minor flood warning for the Goulburn River in the area from Eildon to Seymour.
Rainfall totals of up to 130mm have been recorded in parts of the catchment since 9am yesterday.
The State Emergency Service issued the following advice for flood-impacted residents.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Be aware – heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.
- Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines – always assume they are live.
- Be aware that in fire-affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
The heavy rainfall is likely to ease in the afternoon, forecasters said.
Meanwhile, the bureau today warned residents in southern New South Wales should expect heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
The severe weather warning was issued for the South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, Southern Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains.
