Update, 4pm:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The immediate threat of severe weather has passed in central Victoria, but the rain may continue.
A total of 3.4 millimetres has fallen on Bendigo since 9am on Friday, most between 2.30 and 3.30pm.
Overnight 13.4 millimetres of rain fell in Bendigo.
BoM cancelled the severe weather at about 3.15pm, saying the immediate threat of severe weather has passed.
Showers and thunderstorms are continuing across parts of the state.
10.15am
BENDIGO and Castlemaine have been the region's winners as rain soaks the state.
Castlemaine had 15mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am, while Bendigo had 13.4.
Redesdale had 8mm, while Echuca had 3mm.
Friday, 8.15am
BENDIGO is waking to gardens soaked by more than 10mm of rain and more is expected to fall well into the afternoon.
Redesdale has had 8.6mm.
The region has so far avoided some of the heavier downpours across the state. Geelong has recorded 26.8mm since 9am yesterday, while Sheoaks recorded 30.2.
Those heading down to Melbourne are being warned the rain will make road conditions dangerous in the inner, western, eastern and south eastern suburbs.
The SES advises people reduce speed, maintain a greater distance between them and the person in front and turn on headlights.
Thursday
Fallen leaves clogging up drains could lead to flash flooding in central Victoria tonight as between 15-30mm of rain is predicted to fall.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a road weather alert as a cold front makes its way across Victoria, bringing significant rain and possible flooding in the next 24 hours.
Drivers have been warned to watch for flooding as the front moves through, with the countryside to the north of Melbourne forecast to get up to 50mm of rain.
The rain is expected to be followed by a cold snap, with snowfall forecast down to 1000 metres.
Bureau of Meterology senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said that many areas in central Victoria received the "autumn break" rain last week and that any areas that missed out should get much-needed falls from this front.
But he warned of flooding risks from the heavy downpours.
"Given the autumn period we have we could have blockages in drains due to leaves," he said.
Mr Carlyon said that temperatures would fall as the rain moved through, with a strong southerly airstream bringing the lowest temperatures for the year.
Bendigo's forecast is for the chance of a thunderstorm later this evening, with winds northerly 20-25km/h tending northeasterly during the evening.
On Friday heavy rain is possible in the morning, easing to showers in the afternoon with a top of 13 degrees. Winds should be in the 20-30 km/h range.
RACV's Media Manager(Journey Services), Chris Miller said drivers needed to use extreme caution tonight and to never driver through flood water.
"If you encounter rain that is too heavy, stop and wait for the rain to pass," he said.
"If you can't see, don't drive.
"Do not, under any circumstances, drive through flood waters."
He said drivers should leave double the breaking distance as, in wet weather, it would take twice as long to stop.
"Be visible. Turn on headlights. Be vigilant."
VicRoads reminded drivers to slow down and take extra care.
- Conditions can change quickly. Drivers need to be vigilant at all times and ensure there are no distractions that will take their focus off the road.
- Never drive into floodwater. For the sake of a few minutes extra, it's worth finding an alternative route, rather than getting stranded.
- Drivers are reminded to ensure they leave extra space between them and the car in front, as braking distances increase in wet conditions.
- Be sure to turn headlights on, and be extra vigilant for cyclists and motorbikes which are harder to see.
- If the rain becomes too heavy for wipers to cope, pull over safely and wait for the rain to pass.
- Move parked cars under cover, away from trees.
- Should they encounter fallen power lines, motorists must stay well clear and immediately call Triple Zero.
- For the latest traffic information around the state visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or download the VicTraffic app via your app store.
- If you see any hazards on our roads, please report them to the VicRoads Traffic Management Centre on 13 11 70, open 24/7. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
Sheep graziers alert
Sheep graziers have been warned that cold temperatures and rain will bring with them a risk of lambs and sheep losses for stock exposed to the conditions.
Affected areas include the Northern Country, North Central and Central forecast districts.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
