Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding across central and northern Victoria as clean-up efforts continue across the state.
Residents in the Melbourne suburb of Lilydale were hit with a savage downpour on Tuesday night, leaving cars stranded in inundated roadways.
The State Emergency Service received almost 530 calls for help over the last 24 hours, mostly in the outer eastern suburbs of Lilydale, Croydon and Mooroolbark.
There were 11 flood rescues, prompting a plea for Victorians to resist driving through floodwaters.
Residents in east Gippsland have been put on alert for the first time since the beginning of the wild weather.
The Snowy River is at risk of major flooding from Buchan to Orbost starting from Wednesday morning.
Flooding hit the Lilydale area on Tuesday night.Credit:SES
Residents remain on high alert in Shepparton, Seymour, Kyneton, Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Wangaratta as flood levels are expected to rise on Wednesday.
The SES has urged people in these areas to be extra vigilant and to avoid driving through flooded areas.
An evacuation order remains in place for Echuca, with major flooding set to peak at Moama.
Major flooding continues along the Murray River at Echuca, Moama, Torrumbarry and Barham while moderate flooding is occurring along the Campaspe River.
A State Control Centre spokeswoman said that in Echuca, the flood level is steady and further rises are unlikely. But the peak is moving downstream and the situation could get worse at Barham. Torrumbarry Weir also may get major flooding over the weekend and Swan Hill could go above its minor flood level.
Graham Baldwin, 71, is living in calf-high water in his Echuca East home.Credit:Jason South
Flood levels reached 32 millimetres at Kyabram, in north central Victoria, on Tuesday.
A watch and act was issued late in the afternoon for the town of Numurkah, north of Shepparton, at Walshs Bridge Road and Walshs Bridge Road South area, south/east of Nathalia.
The major emergency relief centre at Bendigo will close from Thursday after providing shelter for up to 280 people at its peak.
Meanwhile, Maribyrnong City Council has resumed clean-up efforts after briefly halting hard rubbish collection due to extreme weather conditions.
At least 1500 tonnes of waste material has been removed across Maribyrnong as residents assess the extent of flood damage.
Tens of thousands of Victorians have been impacted by recent floods and last week, Premier Daniel Andrews announced a Victorian flood recovery management plan would deliver $150 million to assist with clean-up efforts.
AAP, with Patrick Hatch
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in National
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article
