11.45am
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Emergency Victoria says minor flooding is occurring in the the middle reaches of the Avoca River.
It is expected to continue into Sunday.
The Avoca peaked at 5.21 metres in Charlton early this morning and as of 10.40am was at 4.94 and falling.
Water levels are expected to remain above minor flood levels (4 metres) into Sunday.
Downriver at Quambatook, the river is at 0.16 metres and falling slowly.
A total of 10mm of rain is expected in the Avoca catchment over Saturday.
A severe weather warning remains in place for Bendigo and Maryborough, though the worst of storms are now not expected to hit Echuca, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
Saturday, 8.30am
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued this morning for large parts of Central Victoria including Bendigo, Maryborough, Echuca and Castlemaine.
Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in the next few hours.
A low pressure system positioned over southern New South Wales is driving a humid and unstable northeasterly flow across Victoria.
Duty forecaster Chris Godfred said the Bureau of Meteorology is observing storm cells over the Macedon Ranges and Redesdale.
“There’s also a cell over Bendigo’s north east, near Shepparton, which looks like it’s tracking your way,” he said.
A flood warning issued this morning predicted a peak 5.9m flood level at Charlton today, with flooding likely immediately downstream on the Avoca River, though Quambatook is expected to remain below the minor flood level mark.
VicRoads says Berriwillock-Birchip Road remains closed in both directions between Sea Lake Road and Evans Road due to flooding.
Part of the Birchip-Wycheproof Road between Birchip and Donald-Swan Hill Road remains closed. There is a detour is via the Donald-Swan Hill Rd to Corack, then the Birchip-Corack Rd to Birchip.
A flood watch warning remains for the Loddon catchment.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
- 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.
- Stay indoors if possible.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- If you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
- Listen to the radio for storm updates
- Switch off your computer and electrical appliances
- In an emergency call Triple 0. For emergency assistance call the State Emergency Service on 132 500
8.30pm
Charlton residents are wary of the rising Avoca River after heavy rain this week, as Emergency Management Victoria on Friday issued a moderate flood warning for the town.
The river is expected to peak at around 5.9 metres on Saturday.
When Charlton flooded in 2016, the river peaked at around 7.5 metres.
David Pollard, who lives in TeddyWaddy – in the floodplain of the Avoca River – said there would be some anxious people in Charlton, but he personally was not too concerned.
“We're monitoring what's happening in Charlton – as soon as it looks like were going to have any issues in town we're going to act on it - rapidly,” he said.
Charlton copped around 70 millimetres of rain on Thursday, 50mm of which came down in a three-hour spell.
Mr Pollard said the fact no significant rain was forecast had put people slightly more at ease.
“Avoca didn't have a lot of rain, St Arnaud didn't have a lot of rain - they are the two areas where we get our major river rises from. When they get huge rains, we get huge rivers,” he said.
Buloke Shire mayor Carolyn Stewart said there were mixed feelings in the town.
“Some of them are thinking that it’s good to get water in the river as long as we don't get any further rain to cause damage,” she said.
She said the boards had been taken out of the Charlton Weir in case of further rain over the weekend.
Elsewhere, Birchip residents were urged to be vigilant of hazards including floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees after parts of the town flooded on Thursday.
A number of houses were inundated and an emergency relief centre was established at the Birchip Leisure Centre.
Both the Birchip-Wycheproof Road and Birchip-Berriwillock Road were cut to allow the movement of flood water.
Some residents voiced their frustration with emergency services at a community meeting on Friday afternoon.
Stay informed at www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
5.20pm
Emergency Management Victoria has issued a moderate flood warning for the Avoca River at Charlton.
According to EV, the Avoca River at Yawong Weir peaked at 3.92 metres (minor flood level 3.00 m) on Friday morning.
The Avoca River at Charlton is currently at 2.68 metres and steady but is expected to exceed the minor flood level of 4m on Friday night.
A peak around the moderate flood level (5.90m) may occur on Saturday, EV said.
What you should do:
- Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
If you choose to leave:
- Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
- Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
- Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
Current Road and Traffic Information is available at the VicRoads website: http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Flood information: For river heights check www.bom.gov.au or phone 1300 659 217.
Emergency contacts:
For life threatening emergencies phone Triple Zero (000).
For flood and storm emergency assistance from the SES phone 132 500.
Stay informed: Go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
A final Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Birchip as the immediate threat of flash flooding has passed.
Dangerous hazards including floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees may still be present.
An emergency relief centre has been established at the Birchip Leisure Centre.
A recovery centre will operate from Council’s Birchip Office (corner Cumming Avenue and Rundle Street) from 10.00am Saturday 15 December. Recovery team and Department of Health and Human Services on hand who can assist with Emergency Relief Payments.
Both the Birchip-Wycheproof Road and Birchip-Berriwillock Road have been cut to allow the movement of flood water.
A community meeting was held from 4.00pm this afternoon at the Birchip Leisure Centre.
A sand bag collection point is at the town’s SES headquarters in the main street (89 Cumming Ave).
Current known closed local roads
- Sunraysia Highway has been reopened to traffic.
- Birchip-Berriwillock Road between Abbott Street and Nullawil Meridian Road and Berriwillock Town.
- Birchip – Wycheproof Road from Abbott Street to Donald-Swan Hill Road.
- Abbott Street Birchip.
- Saleyards Road Birchip from Birchip_Wycheproof Road to Birchip-Berriwillock Road.
- Barrakee Road from Calder Hwy to the railway line.
- Glenloth Road from Calder Hwy to Glenloth (to be determined).
- Water over the road at Marmal Creek on Calder Highway. Drive Safely.
- Wilkur-Watchupga Rd from Curyo West Rd north to Sunraysia Highway
- Buckrabanyule North Road, Lake Marmal.
1.14pm
A community meeting will be held on Friday, December 14 at the Birchip Leisure Centre, corner of Morrison and Johnson streets, Birchip at 4pm. All community members are invited to attend to hear updates on the flood situation and planned recovery. The meeting will be live streamed through the Buloke Shire Council Facebook page.
VicEmergency has reported that the immediate threat of flash flooding has passed, but dangerous hazards including floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees may still be present.
12.37pm
A moderate flood warning has been issued along the Avoca River to Charlton Town by VicEmergency.
The Avoca River at Yawong Weir is currently peaking around 3.93 metres (minor flood level 3.00 metres).The Avoca River at Charlton is currently at 2.68 metres and steady.
The Avoca River at Charlton is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4 m) late Friday afternoon. A peak around the moderate flood level (5.90 metres) may occur during Saturday.
11.40am
Charlton received a record amount in 24 hours during the storms.
Bureau of Meteorology Victoria senior meteorologist Peter Newham spoke earlier this morning about the severe weather that has hit the state.
He said Charlton recorded 93mm in a day – the highest for daily rainfall for any month on record.
Birchip set its record when it received 130mm in the same period.
Mr Newham said since the wet weather started this week, Birchip had received 168mm.
“Most of that rain in Birchip fell in a six-hour period Thursday evening and resulted in quite a bit of flash flooding,” he said.
The immediate threat of flash flooding in Birchip has now passed, but hazards including floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees could still remain.
A relief centre is open at the Birchip Leisure Centre on the corner of Morrison and Johnson streets.
Mr Newham said the worst of the rain had now contracted to southern Victoria.
“Over the weekend the low pressure system that's been bringing this bad weather will move away to the south of Tasmania,” he said.
But he said during the weekend there was potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms to redevelop.
11am
A relief centre has been set up in the Birchip Leisure Centre following 10 people being evacuated and 20 properties flooded overnight.
The town, 170km northwest of Bendigo and 65km from Charlton was hit with heavy rain and flash flooding yesterday.
A community meeting will be held in Birchip at the leisure centre at 11am.
Highway closures remain in place on the Sunraysia Highway from Warracknabeal-Birchip Road, Morton Plains, to Birchip-Wycheproof Road, Birchip.
The Birchip-Corack Road is also closed between Donald-Swan Hill Road at Corack and Corack Rad, Birchip.
Traffic alerts are in place on the Calder Highway between Charlton and Wedderburn and Boort-Charlton Road near Buckrabanyule Road with reports of water over the road.
There are also several roads closed in the Wangaratta area, including the Hume Freeway between Barnwartha and Wangaratta. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
10.45am
Stone fruit growers in parts of the North Central and Central forecast districts have been advised by the BOM that rainfall and accompanying high humidity during Friday are conducive to a heavy outbreak of brown rot.
10.40am
Water releases to the Campaspe River will aim to prevent a lagoon overflow at the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant.
Up to one megalitre of recycled water a day will be released from the plant to the river.
Coliban Water’s water quality executive general manager David Sheehan said water had previously been released to the river between June and November.
10.19am
VicEmergency has issued a minor flood warning for Avoca River to Charlton.
Moderate flooding could occur along the Avoca River to Charlton.
The Avoca River at Yawong Weir is peaking about 3.93 metres.
Minor flood level there are three metres.
The Avoca River at Charlton is at 2.68 metres and steady. It is due to exceed the minor flood level of four metres late Friday afternoon.
A peak around the moderate flood level – 5.90 metres – could occur on Saturday.
Stay informed - monitor your local conditions and remain alert.
What you should do:
- Be prepared to act if your situation changes.
- You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
- Monitor weather forecasts and river levels. Go to www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings.
Impacts in your area:
- Stagnant water can be harmful to your health. Don’t swim, drink or wash in stagnant water
- Boating in floodwaters is dangerous due to debris, submerged trees and other hidden dangers
Flood information:
- For river heights check www.bom.gov.au or phone 1300 659 217
- For urgent animal welfare issues phone Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or your local vet
Emergency contacts:
- For life threatening emergencies phone Triple 0
- For flood and storm emergency assistance from the SES phone 132 500
Stay informed:
- Go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Phone the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on 1800 226 226 (freecall)
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677
- For help with English, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number
- Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfloods) or Facebook
9.14am
Charlton and Carisbrook residents say they’ve had no problems with flooding despite heavy rainfall yesterday.
An minor flood warning is still in place for the Avoca and Loddon catchments.
Carisbrook resident Ian Boucher said the town had one heavy downpour, and that was it.
“We’ve had no problems here whatsoever, we only got 22 mils of rain here, so it hasn’t affected us,” Mr Boucher said.
“It was one of the best outcomes we could hope for.”
Friday, 6.30am
Bendigo State Emergency Service crews were called to 22 requests for assistance in the past 12 hours, mostly for flooding related situations.
An SES spokesman said the Marong unit was called out three times and Castlemaine responded to two events.
Across the state there have been 544 call outs in the past 12 hours with 248 for flooding and 140 for building damage.
The hardest hit area has been the areas around Wangaratta.
Heavy rainfall caused chaos with dozens of people needing to be rescued from their submerged vehicles on the Hume Freeway.
A Victoria Police helicopter was needed to winch people from the top of their cars on the northbound lanes of the freeway, north of Wangaratta, with about 100 to 150 vehicles stuck in floodwater.
SES crews also used boats and ropes to take people to safe ground, while others used their own boats to rescue people.
Wire rope safety barriers made the rescues more difficult, with the vehicles essentially trapped in the freeway between the barriers.
Roads in and out of Wangaratta were closed and surrounding areas were also inaccessible due to the water.
A large stretch of land surrounding Wangaratta was turned into floodplains.
Tanya Bailey, who was travelling from Wangaratta to Wodonga when her vehicle became stuck, was surprised how quickly the water rose.
“It came in quick as,” she said. “It’s surprising how many times you think ‘those dickheads, why are they driving in floodwater’, but it wasn’t like that at all. It was just there all of the sudden.”
Read more about the Hume Freeway rescue mission here.
Friday, 6.25am
Since 9am yesterday Bendigo has received 42.2 millimetres of rain.
Possible showers are expected in the city over the next three days, including this morning, but are expected to clear.
Advice for minor flooding to develop in the Avoca and Loddon catchment areas remains in place on the Emergency Vic website.
It advises people to monitor weather conditions as the low pressure trough continues to move through Victoria.
Charlton received 15 millimetres before 9am yesterday before being hit with another 70.6mm throughout the day.
The Loddon and Avoca rivers are included on the Bureau of Meteorology’s flood watch warning for Victoria. Further rainfall of up to 10mm is forecast for Friday.
It is possible minor flooding and river rises are expected to develop during Friday as Thursday’s heavy rains and storms.
BOM advises the Avoca River at Charlton is currently at 2.68 metres and steady. The Avoca River at Charlton is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) late Friday morning.
Flooding is likely to occur along the Avoca River downstream of Charlton in the coming days.
The SES advises that community members should never walk, ride or drive through floodwater and never allow children to play in floodwater.
People are advised to stay away from waterways and stormwater drains during and after heavy rain. Rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks, and heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
There is currently no severe weather warning in place over central Victoria. Coastal areas and the region around Bright and Falls Creek have weather warnings issued.
Stone fruit growers in the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country and North East forecast districts are advised that rainfall and accompanying high humidity during Friday may be conducive to an outbreak of brown rot.
Thursday, 10pm
Bendigo had its wettest December day in 11 years on Thursday.
As of 10pm, Bendigo had received more than 35 millimetres, with heavy rain set in.
It was the heaviest rainfall in December since the city copped 48.8mm on December 22, 2007. Areas north west of the city fared far worse, with Charlton copping more than 70mm.
9pm
Bendigo had 5.4 mm up to 9am on Thursday, and received most of its rainfall in two waves, mid-morning and mid-evening.
Meteorologist Dean Stewart said areas further north, like Rochester (4mm) and Kerang (5.4mm) barely registered much rain throughout the day.
The weather is expected to clear in central Victoria on Friday and scattered showers are forecast throughout Saturday, Mr Stewart said.
Heavy rain will affect coastal parts of Victoria and southern Victoria on Friday.
8.07pm
Owner of the East Charlton pub, Rick Walklate, said the town had about 70 millimetres of rain on Thursday, but was coping well.
Some buildings were leaking, but otherwise there were no major dramas to report, he said.
He said the Avoca River before the downpour was “bone dry” and the town wouldn’t have an idea of how full it would get for a “good few days”.
7.20pm
Bendigo has so far escaped the torrential rain and flash flooding predicted, receiving just over 20 millimetres.
Areas north west of Bendigo fared far worse, with Charlton copping close to 60mm.
Bendigo State Emergency Service spokeswoman Natalie Stanway said the organisation had received 20 calls for assistance in the region on Thursday, the majority of which were for trees down and flash flooding.
She urged residents to prepare for flash flooding.
“People need to prepare for it rather than waiting for help because once it comes, it comes quickly, and is often finished by the time we get there,” she said.
1.15pm
Charlton is “nowhere near” flooding farmer Ken Wright says.
Mr Wright's property had received 22.5 millimetres overnight when he measured at 11am.
Even if the town got the same again, Mr Wright was confident it would not flood.
It'd take at least 107 millimetres to get a flood, he said.
12.55pm
Carisbrook's Ian Boucher said earlier rainfall had drained well.
"There's no trouble here at all," he said.
He said there would need to be 'a power of rain' for that to change.
The nearby Tullaroop Reservoir, part of the Loddon catchment area, was at 50 per cent capacity.
12.44pm
River levels across the region are rising due to the heavy rain.
The Bureau of Meteorology river heights show the Campaspe River at Redesdale, Lake Eppalock, Barnadown and Rochester are at risk of ‘below minor’ flooding.
This is the same for the Loddon River at Newstead, Cairn Curran, Laanecoorie, Loddon Weir and Appin South; Bet Bet Creek; the Avoca River at Yawong Weir, Charlton, and Quambatook; and the Murray River at Echuca and Barham.
The Avoca River at Charlton was 2.68 metres high at 11.30am. It would need to reach four metres for minor flooding to occur.
The town flooded in 2016 but avoided major disaster.
In August last year, the Buloke Shire mayor said work was progressing on flood mitigation work while warning the town remained unprepared for a full-scale disaster.
Who to contact:
- In a life threatening emergency contact Triple 0. For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
- For river heights call 1300 659 217
- To talk to someone about preparedness call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
- For help with English, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call the VicEmergency hotline.
12.31pm
People living and working along rivers and streams in the Avoca and Loddon catchment areas should be ready to move to higher ground if flooding develops.
Emergency Victoria has issued a flood watch for minor flooding that may develop in the Avoca and Loddon catchment areas from late Thursday into Friday.
People living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings, and be ready to move to higher ground if flooding does develop.
If you live in the areas that could be affected, you should decide what to do if the flooding affects you. Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Rain and thunderstorms will continue across the flood watch areas on Thursday with periods of heavy rain likely.
Further rainfall totals of up to 40 millimetres are due for Thursday, with locally higher totals in the range of 40 to 100 millimetres possible.
River rises are expected in response to the forecast rain. Emergency Victoria said minor flooding may develop in the flood watch area from late Thursday into Friday.
Emergency Victoria has warned people to never walk, ride or drive through floodwater. Children should never be allowed to play in floodwater.
People should keep away from waterways and stormwater drains during and after heavy rain, and keep well clear of fallen power lines.
In fire affected areas rainfall run off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks, and heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across the roads.
More information at: ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/floodsafe.
Thursday, 12.04:
Further rain could batter Bendigo this afternoon from a band of clouds forming to the north of Swan Hill.
Bureau of Meteorology forecast Peter Newham said more rain and severe thunderstorms could hit central Victoria later today, or could pass towards the east.
The first wave of storms dropped 22.2 millimetres of rain on Bendigo between 8am and 11am.
Rain was heaviest between 9.46 and 10.30am, when 11.8 millimetres fell in 44 minutes.
Whether central Victoria gets heavy rain will depend on where thunderstorms form this afternoon.
“We’ve had that first wave come through that dropped 15 to 20 millimetres but there’s still some further rain expected and potentially thunderstorms,” Mr Newham said.
“There’s a risk of another 10 to 30 millimetres in the Bendigo area. Then there could be some higher totals if there’s some severe thunderstorms in the mix.”
Thursday, 11.40am:
Lightning has caused the power to go out in much of Huntly.
Over 100 customers in Huntly, Huntly north and Sedgwick have been affected by the outage.
Powercor estimates the power will be restored at 4.30pm.
Thursday, 10.35am:
Bendigo has received 16 millimetres of water since 9am.
Chemist Warehouse in Mitchell Street is battling water in its store, with staff using nappies to soak up puddles.
Staff said the courtyard was already under half a metre of water and was flooding inside. They have started sandbagging problem areas.
Update, Thursday, 10.00am:
A thick band of storms is moving across Victoria, dumping rainfall on Bendigo and its surrounds.
Nearly 10 millimetres of rain has fallen since rain began at about 8am, accompanied by deep rumbles of thunder.
The Bureau of Meterology’s weather radar shows a thick band of clouds moving south east across the state, dumping heavy rain on Bendigo and Castlemaine.
Read more:
The heaviest rainfall is taking place to the north east of Bendigo.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned all Victorians that flash flooding, heavy rain and wind are all risks for Thursday.
The State Emergency Service has advised people to avoid driving, walking or riding through floodwater.
Anyone needing to protect their property can get sandbags from their local hardware store.
Bendige’s SES deputy controller Natalie Stanway yesterday reminded the community that the best way to protect their property from the effect of water is not to build a fortress, but to cover the main points at which water could enter.
Thursday, 6.25am:
Heavy rain and possible storms are expected to develop for central Victoria today with the Bureau of Meteorology putting severe weather warning in place at 5.02am.
The warning says a low pressure trough will move slowly eastwards across Victoria during Thursday, deepening into a low pressure system over central parts of Victoria.
Rainfall totals of 30 to 50mm are expected during the morning and afternoon with higher totals in the 50 to 100mm range possible.
Flash flooding could result from the rain expected in the areas of Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
The State Emergency Service advises:
- Don't 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
The next weather warning update will be issued by 11am.
Update, Wednesday 8.50pm:
The City had some scattered showers on Wednesday night, as a severe weather warning remains in place for large parts of central and northern Victoria.
Meteorologist Dean Stewart said minimal rainfall was recorded at Bendigo Airport, but there was a good chance of storms and heavy rain on Thursday.
The region could get a soaking of between 25 and 45 millimetres tomorrow, he said.
“There could be some flash flooding, it could come down pretty intensely,” he said.
Update, Wednesday 4.25pm:
The forecast risk of thunderstorm asthma today in the Central and North Central districts has been set at moderate.
People at increased risk, such as those with asthma or hayfever, should avoid exposure to storms, especially the wind gusts that precede them; have a reliever available; and remind themselves of their asthma action plan and first aid.
The Northern Country forecast district remains at low risk.
Across the three districts, there is a medium chance of showers on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the chance of a thunderstorm and squally winds.
Update, Wednesday 3.15pm:
When sandbagging a house you don’t need to build a fortress, just cover the points where water might enter, Bendigo’s State Emergency Service say.
Deputy controller Natalie Stanway reminded the community about the correct methods for sandbagging properties in the lead up to storms and heavy rain forecast for central Victoria on Thursday.
Ms Stanway said that people simply need to protect possible entry points, such as doors and low level windows, rather than laying bags around the entire circumference of a property.
Read more:
Bendigo’s SES issued comprehensive instructions on the correct method for sandbagging after receiving several enquiries about collection points.
Ms Stanway said as the system was unstable the SES did not yet know what would happen. She urged the community to keep up to date with the latest warnings.
Wednesday 1.13pm:
Parts of Victoria may get a month’s rainfall in a day on Thursday, as a low pressure system sees heavy storms develop across the state.
Thunderstorm activity, which could cause flash flooding, is probably of the greatest concern for Victorians, Bureau of Meteorology forecasters say.
Heavy rains and destructive winds are likely to hit much of Victoria during the storms.
James Taylor from the Bureau of Meteorology said Victoria was looking at “a very wet day” in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
The state is likely to bear the brunt of the low pressure system developing through Thursday across south eastern Australia.
Mr Taylor said the system is likely to develop overnight on Wednesday, with thunderstorms probably beginning during the early hours of Thursday morning.
Storms are forecast to continue through Thursday across the state before moving into south western NSW.
Read more:
“A good chunk of Victoria” is in line to get between 30 and 50 millimetres, Mr Taylor said.
Rainfall of up to 50 millimetres is expected in Bendigo during the predicted storms.
Mr Taylor attributed the heavy rainfall to the low pressure system drawing moisture out of Tropical Cyclone Owen in the north of Australia.
It is “unusual” but “not unprecedented” for a low pressure system and a tropical cyclone to interact in this way, Mr Taylor said.
He urged Victorians to stay tuned to forecast and emergency warnings.
12.30pm:
The State Emergency Service says that while weather patterns predicted for Victoria often ‘split and go around’ Bendigo, we need to be prepared – because if this one hits, there will be flooding.
They’re reminding central Victorians never to drive, play, walk or ride in floodwater and to stay away from storm water drains, and off the Bendigo Creek Trail. Flash flooding means there is no warning.
Read more:
It’s also a good time while the weather is calm to clean out gutters, park cars under cover or away from trees and secure any loose items around your house – don’t forget trampolines.
Remember, if you need the SES the number to call is 132 500 for storm assistance, or 000 if your situation is life threatening.
EARLIER:
Heavy thunderstorms and even flash flooding could grip central Victoria from Thursday as a tropical cyclone in Australia’s north collides with a low pressure system in the south east.
A severe weather warning has been issued for much of Victoria, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and possible flash flooding.
Up to 50 millimetres of rainfall could hit Bendigo as part of significant falls forecast throughout south eastern Australia.
Read more:
Bureau of Meterology extreme weather forecaster Grace Legge said it was hard to predict where, or whether, flash flooding would develop, as it depended on how quickly the forecast rainfall fell.
Thursday has a 95 percent chance of rain, which the Bureau forecasts could be as much as 50 millimetres in Bendigo.
Castlemaine and Maryborough could be hit by up to 40 millimetres and Kyneton 35.
Ms Legge said the amount of rainfall in specific locations would depend on where bands or isolated thunderstorms developed.
She said heavy rainfall forecasts were due in part to the combined effect of the tropical cyclone and low pressure system.
The low across Australia’s south east is likely to draw in moisture from Cyclone Owen in the north, bringing heavy rainfall with it.
Ms Legge urged residents of south eastern Australia to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and avoid floodwater.
The State Emergency Service has advised people to not walk, drive or ride through floodwater, and keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
More to come.
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