A MASSIVE storm front crossing the state has dumped up to 100 millimetres of rain on already soaked catchments.
River systems across the region are rising rapidly, and flood warnings have been issued for the Loddon and Campaspe rivers.
The Bet Bet Creek has risen more than three metres since heavy rain swept in from the north late yesterday.
A moderate flood warning has been issued for the Loddon River upstream of the Loddon Weir.
A minor flood warning is current for the Campaspe River upstream of Lake Eppalock.
More heavy rain and strong winds are expected to cause further problems throughout the day.
The storm cell dumped more than 80mm on parts of outback South Australia yesterday.
A severe weather warning for destructive winds of 60 to 75kmh has been issued with widespread peak gusts of about 110kmh, reaching 130 in alpine areas.
Coliban Water general manager of operations and headworks Neville Pearce said operations crews and reservoir keepers were prepared for a busy weekend.
He said the focus would be on maintaining service to customers and protecting assets from damage in the event of floods.
“We have increased our works crews and have extra staff on standby should they be needed to manage the impacts of flooding,” Mr Pearce said.
Coliban Water will have its reservoir keepers monitoring levels at its major storages including its three catchment storages near Malmsbury.
“It is important we monitor levels and route floodwaters should we need to,” Mr Pearce said.
He said the corporation also expected stormwater to infiltrate its sewer system.
“In the past few weeks we have experienced a number
of cases where we have had overflows caused by stormwater.’’
The severe forecast also includes possible blackouts and flash floods, with the worst conditions expected in Victoria’s north-east, said Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria state duty officer Mark Woodman.
“Anyone intent on visiting parks and forests this weekend is reminded that as well as flooding risks of swollen rivers and creeks, heavy rain increases the risk of landslips and falling rocks or tree limbs in our parks and forests.”
Mr Woodman said residents should avoid any low-lying areas that might become flooded.
Residents are advised to keep a battery- operated radio handy and to ensure mobile phones are fully charged ahead of the arrival of the main storm front.
Central Victorian households with water supply interruption have been advised to contact Coliban Water on 1300 363 200.
For other emergency storm damage help, phone the SES on 132 500 and listen to local radio for regular updates.
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