Severe weather, including heavy rainfall of up to 70mm and flash flooding, is forecast for much of Victoria today.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that people in the Mallee and parts of the Central, South West, Northern Country, North Central and Wimmera Forecast Districts - who have already been lashed by rain in recent days - will cop the worst of the weather.
"We've already had significant flooding in the north-west of the state, the state is already saturated, and given there are significant falls across Victoria today, we are ready to respond if needed," an SES spokesman said this morning.
"There is a real risk of flash flooding today - the areas around Horsham are still of particular concern but really, if we get isolated heavy falls anywhere, there is a risk of flooding.
"So it's important that people go about their normal business today but understand that risk, have a plan and know where to go in case of an emergency."
The SES issued a moderate flood warning for the Loddon River on Tuesday morning, due to an expected rainfall between 20 and 50mm. "Renewed river rises and flooding are expected with the forecast rainfall," the warning said.
A major flood warning remained in place for the Glenelg River at Casterton on Tuesday morning, as the river "may exceed the moderate flood level (5.20 metres) during Monday into Tuesday, as the upstream peak arrives".
Bureau senior forecaster Keris Arndt said the heavy rain had been brought on by moisture from the north, a surface trough over Victoria and an upper-level trough over the Great Australian Bight developing into a low-pressure system over western Victoria on Tuesday afternoon.
The low will then move slowly eastwards across the state.
There are fears for towns like Coleraine, which was inundated by floodwaters on Friday, and will receive serious flash flooding on Tuesday afternoon.
The SES is warning Victorians not to drive into floodwater.
"More often than not, the water is strong, you can't see into it and it may wash you away," the spokesman said.
"It also puts our volunteers in danger if they have to rescue people. If people can make choices to minimise that risk - it's really helpful for everyone."
With several warnings in place for Victoria, the BOM will reassess the severe weather warning at the end of Tuesday. But the flood warnings and flood watches are expected to remain for the coming days.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Not walk, ride or drive through flood water;
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks;
- Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
- with Emily Woods
