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In Brief
- Victoria is forecast to be hit by heavy rain, storms and damaging winds on Tuesday afternoon.
- Residents are warned to remain on alert to flash flooding over the coming hours.
Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by intense rain and powerful winds, are poised to strike vast regions of Victoria. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions.
From Tuesday afternoon, communities in the northern and central parts of the state, including Melbourne, are expected to experience the brunt of this extreme weather. The forecast predicts heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding, with potential six-hour rainfall totals ranging between 40 to 70 millimeters.
Victoria State Emergency Service spokesperson Josh Gamble emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly with the imminent threat of flash floods. “Flash flooding occurs rapidly. Roads can become perilous in a very short time, and the water is often deeper than it appears,” he explained. “Communities situated in low-lying or creekside areas, especially those known for flash floods in and around Melbourne, should be particularly cautious.”
Residents are advised to stay alert as these quickly developing weather conditions unfold, keeping an eye on local warnings and updates to ensure their safety.
“Flash flooding happens fast. Roads can become very dangerous very quickly. It’s deeper than it looks,” he said. “Low-lying and creekside communities (should be) on alert, particularly those that are known in those flash flood areas in and around the Melbourne areas.”
A warning has also been issued for towns located within fire-affected grounds, with authorities warning that burnt land doesn’t absorb water effectively, meaning runoff can occur quickly and without warning.
“We’ve got some concerns, particularly around the fire grounds with increased fast runoff and flash-flooding risks,” Gamble said.
The storms come just days after heavy rainfall led to localised flash flooding in and around Wodonga over the weekend.
Emergency crews received about 250 requests for assistance statewide on Sunday, including more than 130 in the Hume region.
A flood watch has been issued for central and eastern Victoria, including river catchments in the Melbourne area, senior meteorologist Angus Hines said.
“Rainfall accumulating over the past several days has brought the risk of flash and riverine flooding.
“Tuesday will be a wet day for Melbourne with a chance of severe thunderstorms, which could lead to flash flooding.”
The frontal system will move through the state on Tuesday, with rainfall expected to clear on Wednesday morning.
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