THE houses have been sandbagged, the warnings have been shared - now central Victorians are waiting to see what happens next.
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With potentially record-breaking rain on the way, there is a severe weather warning for heavy rain and cautions of flash flooding across the state.
Despite it being the first day of summer, Bendigo and central Victoria could face up to 200mm of rain over three days.
On Thursday, Carisbrook was ready for the worst, while hoping for the best. Buloke Shire was busy preparing as well.
In Bendigo, the sandbags were selling out.
If you're worried about the floods, we've got a handy guide to what to expect here.
Follow our live coverage below for all the latest on the weather and any emergency services advice.
We’d love to see your pictures and video – share them with us through our Facebook page, our Snapchat account bgoaddy, by tagging us @BgoAddy on Twitter or by using #bendigoadvertiser on Instagram.
UPDATE SATURDAY: Follow our coverage from Saturday here.
UPDATE 11pm: Residents in low lying areas near Myrtleford, in the state’s north east, have been told to evacuate.
Those near Buckland and surrounds have been told they should prepare to evacuate now.
An official emergency warning has been issued, with heavy rainfall overnight expected to flood the area making the bridge over the Buckland River impassable.
Meanwhile, the Great Victorian Bike Ride has been cancelled.
The Bicycle Network said they were forced to halt the ride on Friday evening. It leaves more than 1,500 riders remain stranded at a Maffra campsite with plans to transport the group back to Melbourne and Trafalgar in the coming days.
"We're very disappointed that we can't continue riding but the wellbeing of our riders, volunteers and wider team always comes first," Bicycle Network chief executive officer Craig Richards said.
UPDATE 10.30pm: The Bureau of Meteorology says widespread falls above 50mm to date have occurred over elevated parts of northeast and central Victoria, with the highest totals about the Strathbogie Ranges. Most other areas of Victoria except east Gippsland have had event totals in the range 20-50mm.
Highest readings so far for this event:
123mm Mount Wombat;
111mm Back Creek Junction;
103mm Polly McQuinn's Weir;
102mm Strathbogie.
Heavy rain, scattered thunderstorms and flash flooding are forecast through the central, eastern and northern parts this evening, with a focus about the northeast. Heavy rain will continue on Saturday, before contracting to the southeast during Sunday. Thunderstorms will generally ease during Saturday.
Event rain totals to midday Sunday of 50-150mm are expected in the warning area, with 100-200mm in the northeast and peak totals exceeding 250mm possible about the northeast ranges.
UPDATE 10pm
Well, Bendigo hasn’t got the deluge that other parts of the state received but residents should stay alert.
Bendigo remained on the edge of the severe weather warnings on Friday night.
Just 3.4mm of rain fell in the city between 9am and 10pm on Friday.
An SES spokesman said the SES had received 970 calls for assistance across the state as of 8.30pm last night.
Of the 970 calls, just 56 were listed in the Loddon Mallee region.
Calls were to help with flash flooding, trees down or sandbagging properties.
The next Bureau of Meteorology update is expected at 11pm.
8.30pm
In what was a bit of a false start for Bendigo, the rain has ceased – for now.
BOM has also cancelled the severe thunderstorm warning it issue at 6.12pm.
BOM now says severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging are no longer occurring in Victoria.
“The situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.”
Storms are heavy rain are still forecast for Victoria later tonight and tomorrow.
**Coverage continues below the weather radar.
7.05pm
Rain has started to fall in Bendigo’s centre with puddles already forming on roads.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology website, just 2mm has fallen in Bendigo since 6.30pm but it could be a sign of things later tonight and early tomorrow.
The latest thunderstorm warning from BOM warns of a trough heading from Kerang to Seymour and on to Sale.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce localised damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Swan Hill, Kerang, Echuca, Shepparton, Seymour and Mt Baw Baw.
The next warning is due to be issued by 9.15pm.
6.10pm
The RSPCA is warning owners to look after their pets, with extreme weather still forecast for the region.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said it was important for people to make sure their pets were safe and secure.
“The loud noises associated with summer thunderstorms commonly create a fear response in animals, and can result in them demonstrating destructive behaviour, escaping from their properties and injuring themselves,” she said.
“Make sure your pets have a safe area if they become stressed by loud noises, and check that your microchip details are up to date and your fences are secure.”
5.20pm
The latest weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology has Bendigo on the edge of the storm warning area.
A low pressure system is set to develop over north-western Victoria and move south-east.
Event rain totals to midday Sunday of 50-150mm are expected in the warning area, with 100-200mm in the northeast and peak totals exceeding 250mm possible about the northeast ranges.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Shepparton, Seymour, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding in the central, eastern and northern parts this evening.
Heavy rain will continue throughout Saturday, before contracting to the southeast during Sunday. Thunderstorms will generally ease during Saturday.
The next severe weather warning will be issued by 11pm.
5pm
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley has reminded people that the weather event will not be restricted to Friday alone.
He said forecasts for Saturday predicted hundreds of millimetres of rain for parts of Victoria.
“We’re not out of it. Rain hasn't been across the whole state as of yet but it is coming,” he said.
“Saturday is the day. The Bureau (of Meteorlogy) has been clear that hundreds of millimetres could fall.
“People need to be vigilant. The decision tonight about where you are and what you do is important.”
Mr Lapsley said the damage of some rain wouldn’t hit certain communities until Sunday or Monday.
“Timely, relevant and tailored information is our focus. It hasn't been consistent rain but what has fallen has been isolated, direct and significant downfalls,” he said.
“Floods can contain fast moving water. Some rain won't hit communities until Sunday or Monday but we need to plan for it.
“We have not asked and, at this stage, do not need interstate resources.
“The key thing is to know where to get information. People should use the Vic Emregency website, the Bureau (of Meteorology’s) weather radar and the Vic Roads site for road closures.”
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said Victorians should be sure to make smart choices.
“Get the best information to make the best choices for you and your family's safety,” Mr Andrews said.
“Real time updates will be on ABC Radio or the Vic Emergency website.
“Common sense and looking out for each other will help Victorians get through this.”
Both Mr Lapsley and Mr Andrews thanked the effort of the SES crews and volunteers so far.
“So far SES 800 calls across the state,” Mr Lapsley said.
“All calls have been for assistance, the SES has not needed to rescue people yet.”
3.30pm
Kerang and Echuca are in the path of the thunderstorms forecast for the next few hours, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Localised damaging winds and large hailstones were predicted for locations in the warning area pictured below:
But Bendigo remains on notice for heavy rain and thunderstorm activity, which is forecast to continue throughout Saturday and contract southeast during Sunday.
Rain totals in the warning area, pictured below, are generally expected to range from 50 – 150 millimetres by Sunday.
But it’s likely to be much wetter in the northeast, with more than 250 millimetres possible nearby the northeast ranges.
The State Emergency Service advised people should:
- Not walk, ride or drive through flood water;
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks;
- Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
2.30pm
Bendigo looks to have missed out on the heaviest of the rain today, forecasters say, but that does not mean residents should let their guard down.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Steven McGibbony said most of the rain had cleared into the northeast of the state, but thunderstorms were starting to develop in the northwest of the state and north of Bendigo.
These storms are expected to bring localised damaging winds, prompting a severe weather warning affecting the eastern and northern edges of the Bendigo area (scroll down for more information on the storm warning).
Mr McGibbony said another low was expected to develop overnight, which would bring more rain on Saturday.
He said it was difficult to say how much rain central Victoria might receive, as it was on the edge of the forecast significant rain band, but it could see 30 to 60 millimetres.
The Bendigo area seems to have fallen in a dry patch today, with higher totals seen to the west and the east.
Bendigo has recorded just 2.4 millimetres of rain since yesterday, while Seymour to the east has had 47 millimetres.
In the west, 31 millimetres has fallen at Avoca and Navarre, near Stawell, has had 45 millimetres – up to 18 millimetres of that falling in just 20 minutes.
For those concerned about flooding, a Bendigo not-for-profit organisation has a limited number of sandbags available.
2pm
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of central Victoria.
The thunderstorm warning – separate from the severe weather warning for heavy rain and flooding – warns of localised damaging winds over the next several hours.
The warning area covers much of the Northern Country forecast district, including Heathcote and Echuca.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
- Keep clear of fallen power lines
- Stay indoors if possible
- Avoid using the phone during the storm
- Avoid sheltering under trees if outside
- Listen to the radio for storm updates
- Switch off your computer and electrical appliances
The severe weather warning for heavy rain and flash flooding remains in place for the entire region.
An updated thunderstorm warning will be issued by 4.45pm and an updated weather warning will be issued by 5pm.
1.30pm
Check out this picture from the Bureau of Meteorology!
It shows Bendigo is in the “severe thunderstorms likely” category for this afternoon and into tonight.
We might have not have seen much rain action yet, but don’t get complacent.
According to the bureau, we can expect between 3mm and 9mm up to 2pm, then up to another 8mm by 5pm.
We’ll keep you updated here.
12.50pm
Victorians are being asked not to visit national park and, state forests until an severe weather warning is lifted.
Forest Fire Management chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said rising water levels could render campgrounds and tacks inaccessible.
“There is also an increased risk of landslips, falling rocks and falling trees,” Dr Rotarangi said.
“We know that there are many parts of the state that people will want to be out and enjoying at this time of year particularly with the opening of the Murray Cod season today and the Great Victorian Bike Ride underway, but we need Victorians to take these flood warnings seriously.”
12.35pm
Residents in Charlton hit hard during 2011 and 2016 deluges are calm about forecast rains, even saying it could be a “non-event”.
Farm worker Bernie Laffin spent 48 hours before the predicted rain event, prepare fields for the wet weather.
He said just 12 millimetres had fallen in the town so far today, a far cry from the 50 or 60 millimetres the community were told to expect.
“But it’s always better in the shed than out in the open,” Mr Laffin said.
He also said there did not appear to be much sandbagging around the town.
Graham Hodges evacuated from his Charlton home during the 2011 flood and last year had help from the fire brigade keeping water away from the bungalow.
“I hope it does pass but at the moment, it's not too bad,” Mr Hodges said.
His attention was on the Grampians, he said, believing if rain fell heavily it would eventually find its way to the town.
12.20pm
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a fresh flood watch advice.
It warns several catchments could be affected by heavy rainfall, including Campaspe, Loddon, Avoca and Goulburn rivers.
Significant and widespread flooding is likely across Victoria from Friday onwards.
Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms that could lead to flash flooding are forecast throughout much of the state today, with a focus about the north-east.
Heavy rain and thunderstorm activity will continue throughout Saturday, before contracting to the south-east during Sunday.
Three-day totals of about 50-150mm are expected across much of the state, with 100-200mm in the north-east.
Significant stream rises are expected in response to the forecast rainfall. Widespread flooding is likely from Friday onwards, particularly in the eastern half of Victoria.
Noon:
Two properties in Echuca have been affected by rainfall, according to the SES.
Shed flooding was reported at one property, while SES members attended to a leaking roof at another address.
Both incidents were reported to SES between 11am – 11.30am.
Emergency services have also been alerted to flooding-related incidents in Stanhope and Rushworth.
11.40am:
The Bureau of Meteorology has reissued its severe weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The warning area still covers most of the state, including the entirety of central Victoria.
Meteorologists warn of heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms that might lead to flash flooding today, particularly in the north-east of the state.
Heavy rain and thunderstorm activity will continue tomorrow, before contracting to the southeast on Sunday.
Rain totals to midday Sunday of 50 to 150 millimetres are expected in the warning area, with 100 to 200 millimetres in the northeast.
Flooding is still expected in the Loddon and Campaspe catchments.
The wet weather is the result of a trough of low pressure, currently over far western Victoria, that will move slowly across the state during the next two days.
A low pressure system will develop on the trough over northwestern Victoria later today, then move towards the southeast.
The next warning will be issued by 5pm.
10.15am:
Tonight’s lighting of the Rosalind Park Christmas tree has been cancelled due to the weather. Read more here.
10am:
Police are at the ready to provide support to their fellow agencies this weekend if flooding eventuates.
Loddon Mallee Regional Emergency Management Inspector Travis McCarthy said Victoria Police would be actively monitoring the forecast and intelligence across the weekend.
“We’re ready to respond if required,” he said.
Police could be called on to help responding agencies with traffic management and evacuations, and work closely with other agencies such as the SES and local councils.
Inspector McCarthy urged people to take care over the next few days.
“Don’t drive through floodwaters, it’s really imperative,” he said.
“And if you can, minimise your need to travel on roads across the weekend.”
He also urged people to be very cautious around rivers and waterways if they were camping.
9am:
Annoyed the rain could ruin your first weekend of summer?
Spare a thought for farmers across the state, for whom the forecast is devastating.
“We’ve gone through so much this year already and we’ve put in so much work to get to where we are now,” Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said.
We’ve battled mice, a dry winter and frost and then to get hit with this, it’s devastating.
Mr Jochinke, who farms at Murra Warra, said the rain could shatter legumes and canola. It could also ruin barley and wheat.
He said no farmer would ever expect to bit hit with this much rain in December.
“I’ve heard it referred to as a one-in-30 year event and it’s just a shame that it will occur right at the end of the season,” he said.
Meanwhile, WorkSafe is pleading with farmers in the middle of harvesting not to take risks ahead of heavy rains and flash flooding, which are forecast to hit much of the state.
8.50am:
In the time from 9am yesterday to 8.30am today, Bendigo has received 1.8 millimetres of rain, while Redesdale has seen 2.8 millimetres.
If you are interested in reading about what else has been happening around central Victoria, there was a truck fire near Maldon overnight, while Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses to a theft at Pyramid Hill.
8.20am:
If you’re driving today, please be careful on the roads!
Did you know it takes juts 15 centimetres of water for a car to float?
There is a flood watch notice in place for Loddon, Avoca, Campaspe and Gouburn rivers, among others.
VicRoads warned possible flash flooding locations included the Pyrenees Highway, Wimmera Highway, Loddon Valley Highway, Calder Highway and the Calder Alternative Highway.
VicRoads urged people to take extreme care in difficult driving conditions, and to avoid being on the roads if possible.
7.54am:
For us, it’s still a waiting game – but elsewhere, regions have measured several millimetres of rain.
Bendigo has received only 1mm since 9am yesterday.
However, Ballarat had received 17.8mm of rain by 7am.
Both Ballarat and Bendigo could face more than 200mm in the next few days...
Friday 7.30am:
Rain has arrived in Bendigo, but the big downpour is yet to begin.
Some Bendigo Advertiser readers have reported short but heavy bursts of rain, while others say they have had fairly steady rain.
Epsom is among the areas that has seen some heavy rain already, while a reader reports Lockwood South has had rain all night.
But for some, little of the wet stuff has made an appearance.
Readers in Bagshot and Leichardt have recently said it is still dry.
Friday 6.20am:
A severe weather warning remains in place across Victoria as the state’s residents brace for a downpour.
Three-day totals of 100 to 200 millimetres are expected across most northern and central regions of the state, while elsewhere totals are likely to be between 30 and 100 millimetres.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should not walk, ride or drive through floodwater; keep clear of creeks and storm drains; be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris; and be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Bendigo SES has sandbags available for those concerned about potential flooding.
These will be available at the headquarters at 64 Adam Street, Quarry Hill, between 8am and midday.
Friday 6am:
Heavy rains expected to hit the region today could lead to flash flooding on the first day of summer.
Read more: Buloke Shire prepares for floods
The Bendigo State Emergency Service had a busy day on Thursday preparing for the deluge.
Volunteers were set up at an emergency sandbag collection point after hardware stores across the region sold out.
There appears to have been a shower overnight, although the Bendigo weather station has not recorded any rain as of 6am.
The Bendigo Advertiser will keep readers up-to-date throughout the day.
Here, see the weather radar:
If you’re concerned about what to expect today, don’t panic. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the wet weather.
Read more: Road closures in central Victoria
And finally, don’t forget the sage advice of SES volunteer Lachie Worn.
When it comes to driving, his warning is clear.
“If it’s flooded, forget it.’’