Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria
This Flood Watch provides early advice of possible flooding within the specified catchments.

Initial Flood Watch For Parts Of South West And Eastern Victoria
Issued at 03:27 PM EST on Wednesday 17 August 2022
Flood Watch Number: 1
MINOR FLOODING IS POSSIBLE FROM THURSDAY FOR CATCHMENTS IN THE FLOOD WATCH AREA

A frontal system will bring rainfall to the Flood Watch area from Thursday evening into Friday. Further rainfall is forecast during Saturday.
Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wet as a result of the recent rainfall, with elevated river levels within some catchments.
Rainfall totals of 20-30 mm are forecast around the Otway and Surf Coasts during Thursday. River level rises and areas of minor flooding are possible in the Barwon River catchment and the Otways from Thursday.
Widespread rainfall totals of 30-50 mm are forecast over the eastern ranges from Thursday afternoon into Friday, with isolated higher totals possible. Further rainfall is forecast on Saturday, with an additional 20 mm possible. River level rises and areas of minor flooding are possible in parts of the North East and Gippsland from Friday.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Mitchell River
Macalister River
Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool Rivers
Otway Coast
Upper Murray and Mitta Mitta Rivers
Kiewa River
Ovens and King Rivers
Seven and Castle Creeks

Flooding warnings are current for the following catchments: Latrobe, Bunyip and Kiewa rivers.

The Bureau of Meteorology is continuing to monitor the situation and will issue catchment specific warnings as required.
See www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings to view the current warnings for Victoria.
For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

Flood Safety Advice:
SES advises that all community members should:
Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater, Never allow children to play in floodwater, Stay away from waterways and stormwater drains during and after heavy rain, Keep well clear of fallen power lines Be aware that 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 roads.
Current Emergency Information is available at http://emergency.vic.gov.au For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Current Road and Traffic Information is available at the VicRoads website:
http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Weather Forecast:
For the latest weather forecast see http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/
River Height and Rainfall information are available on the Bureau of Meteorology web site at http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/flood/
Flood Warnings and Flood Watches for Victorian Catchments are also available on: Telephone Weather Service No. 1300 659217.}

Next issue:
The next Flood Watch will be issued by 02:00 pm EST on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Damaging Winds

for parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and South West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:30 am Wednesday, 17 August 2022.

Damaging winds developing early on Thursday.

Weather Situation
North to northwesterly winds are increasing ahead of an approaching cold front during Wednesday, peaking in strength as the cold front is passing during Thursday.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, South West, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 65 km/hr with peak gusts of around 90 km/hr are likely over the Otways and the Surf Coast, and the central ranges from the early hours of Thursday, then extending to the eastern ranges during Thursday morning.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to around 110km/h are possible over higher elevations above 1500 m over the eastern ranges, with blizzards possible about the higher peaks.
Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds over the central ranges and Otways during Thursday afternoon, and throughout by late Thursday evening or early Friday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Apollo Bay, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.