In a dramatic turn of events, rescue teams were called into action yesterday when a person found themselves stranded on a rooftop, necessitating urgent assistance. Additionally, numerous vehicles were swept away as floodwaters surged through the picturesque areas of Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, and Lorne.

The chaos was triggered when several rivers overflowed their banks in these popular Victorian holiday destinations, following an extraordinary downpour that saw 180mm of rain fall in under five hours.

Holidaymaker Darren Schonewille shared his experience with Today this morning, describing the scene as “pretty crazy.” He recounted the astonishing speed at which the water levels rose, leading to widespread disorder and disruption.

“It was shocking to witness how quickly the floodwaters inundated the area, catching everyone off guard,” Schonewille remarked, emphasizing the sudden nature of the flooding.

He said the flood had come up suddenly.

“We were a little bit trapped, I guess, in terms of we were at the front of the and so it was quite hard to get in and help anyone out,” fellow holidaygoer Matthew Clark said.

“Seeing those cars float out and then trying to get around those people who lost belongings pretty quickly, it was pretty traumatic for the people.”

The Great Ocean Road remains closed in both directions between Lorne and Skenes Creek due to the flooding and the fear of possible landslides.

Coach services are taking detours, while drivers are urged to detour using the Princes Highway via Colac.

“Transport Victoria reminds the community of the extreme danger of travelling in the current conditions,” Transport Victoria said in a notice.

“Roads may be closed and public transport routes may be cancelled at short notice.”

Vic Emergency’s latest update, posted at midnight, said the threat of immediate flash flooding had passed.

“Dangerous hazards including floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees are still be present,” the update read.

Emergency relief centres have opened at Lorne Stribling Reserve, 45 Otway Street, Lorne; and at Apollo Bay P12 College, Pengilley Avenue, Apollo Bay.

The Bureau of Meteorology has cancelled two severe weather warnings for Victoria, and no new ones are in place.