Increased rain risk for North East Victoria this weekend

Increased rain risk for North East Victoria this weekend

11/11/2022, 2:34 PM

With impacts from October’s record heavy rainfall event still being felt across various parts of the state, further heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the state, and in particular in North East Victoria. 

Along with showers, thunderstorms are also expected and likely to become severe in some areas on Friday, with the risk of damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall, which is expected to ease on Saturday.

However, another system enters the west of the state on Saturday afternoon with showers and thunderstorms. Sunday is expected to bring more intense rain, coming in from the west and intensifying over eastern districts on Sunday.

Emergency services along with the Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation closely, with warnings issued as necessary.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) crews is once again reminding Victorians to never drive on flooded roads. It can take just 15cm of water for a small vehicle to float, and it could be the last decision you make.

In the 30 days since flooding began in Victoria, VICSES has received more than 13,526 Requests for Assistance (RFAs), and in the last 24 hours SES volunteers have received 104 RFAs.

Moderate to Major Flood Warnings remain current for some parts of the state, and particularly for communities along the Murray River including Kerang, Echuca, Barham, Barmah, Robinvale and Mildura, VICSES crews and emergency services remain ready to respond in an effort to support communities most affected as required.

At this time it is vital communities, especially those in at risk locations, keep themselves up to date with the latest information and warnings, issued on the VicEmergency website, app or hotline 1800 226 226.

As we see further heavy rainfall and renwed river rises, it’s vital that Victorians understand the life-threatening risks associated with floodwater.

Now is the time to be flood ready, and understand your flood risk. Find local flood guides for your area on the VICSES website.

Emergency services are continuing to work through impact assessments across hardest hit locations, with more 5,900 impact assessments made so far.

There are several inundated roads across the state, both in metro Melbourne and in regional Victoria. If you plan to travel over the next few days, ensure you plan your route. Visit the VicTraffic website for the latest on road closures – https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/.

There may also be changes to public transport schedules, ensure you visit the Public Transport Victoria website for disruption information: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/.

Sandbag collection points will operate in at risk locations, and are available to view on the VICSES website: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/sandbag-guide

Major flooding is still expected to remain in parts of the state over the coming weeks. Recovery support is available people and communities affected by the 2022 Victorian floods, call the Flood Recovery Hotline 1800 560 760 for assistance.

Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp:

 

“With some major flooding still expected and further rain forecast, it’s vital communities, especially in at-risk locations listen to the advice of emergency services and stay up to safe with the VicEmergency app and website as they are issued.

 

“Thank you to our dedicated emergency services who are continuing to work hard to respond to the widespread flooding across the state.”

 

Quotes attributable to Victoria State Emergency Service Chief Operations Officer, Tim Wiebusch:

 

“During October, we saw the busiest month on record for SES volunteers, staff and the other emergency services working as one around the clock to keep communities safe.

 

“However, with further rainfall on forecast for this weekend and into next week, it’s vital Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. It’s importantl you connect to official sources of emergency information, including the VicEmergency app.”