Victorian residents in the South-East, as well as parts of West and South Gippsland, have been placed on high alert as a severe weather warning have been issued on Sunday.
The alert warns of the prospect of dangerous flash flooding. A “Watch and Act” warning has been issued on the VicEmergency website.
The warning, announced by the Bureau of Meteorology suggested that East Gippsland is expected to cop a downpour of up to 120mm as a low-pressure system sweeps in from the Tasman Sea, southwest towards the state.
Residents have been urged by authorities to “take shelter”, brace for flash flooding and damaging winds of up to 100km/h and if people are out camping for the weekend, they are being advised not to do so near rivers and to make sure they check their routes on the Vic
Traffic app, to ensure that if there are road closures, they have another route they can take.
Chief Officer of Operations for SES Victoria, Tim Wiebusch has said that “we cannot afford for people to be attempting to drive through floodwaters. We’ve seen a few rescues overnight and it might be the last decision you make!”
Bemm River residents have been asked to activate their flood plans as waters continue to rise. They are being told to remain wary of damaged roads and landslides.
Cann River and Genoa have also received a moderate flood warning.
Reports out of Cann River suggest the river is extremely swollen as of Sunday morning. Some residents have reported that they have not seen it quite that high before.
Residents have also reported flickering lights and fear they may lose power at some stage.
With waves expected to exceed five metres in height, people in and around the affected areas are being advised not to go swimming.
A major flood warning has also been issued for the Mitchell River, with flooding expected on late Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.
The rivers across the state of Victoria that are expected to be affected by the flooding are the Snowy River, the Avon River, the Macalister River, the Thompson River, the Latrobe River, Traralgon creek, Bunyip River, Werribee River and the Murray River upstream of Lake Hume.
SES are expecting to be busy over the coming few days, having already received over 300 calls overnight, mostly due to building damage and falling trees.
