SKIPTON is again on flood watch with water levels expected to peak on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
State Emergency Service local area commander Peter Keppel said emergency services were highly concerned about Skipton and said extra resources had been deployed to sandbag and prepare the area for flooding.
A deluge of rain battered Ballarat on Sunday night and Monday morning. By 9am on Monday the region had received 38 millimetres of rain – the most recorded in Western Victoria.
Emergency services were kept busy with more than 46 of Western Victoria’s 60 emergency calls coming from Ballarat on Sunday night.
Mr Keppel said crews were called to eight flooding jobs in the region – with houses reported to have storm water coming through both the roof and doorways.
“We had one in Clunes, two in Creswick, one in Bald Hills and the rest in Ballarat,” Mr Keppel said.
CFA crews worked with SES workers in Golden Point for close to four hours to protect property. There were reports of water rapidly approaching a house.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Ballarat recorded one of the region’s highest rainfalls.
“It’s then moved through Maryborough and Castlemaine to the East of Ballarat,” a spokesman said.
“Notable rainfall totals include 30mm at Charlton, 34mm at Bet Bet and 38mm in Ballarat.”
The deluge of rain follows from the wettest Ballarat September in at least 100 years.
Last week meteorologists predicted October rainfall would be average.
Corangamite north ward councillor Geoff Smith said preparations in Skipton were in place and residents and council were bracing themselves for the worst.
“The council is helping with sandbags – we are waiting and see what the weather will deliver,” Cr Smith said.
“I am sure, if need be, everyone will hop into gear as they did last time.”
Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said up to 15 millimetres of rain could be expected to coat Ballarat between Monday and Tuesday nights.
Severe and damaging winds and thunderstorms were expected to start overnight, with gusts expected to peak at 95 km/h on Tuesday morning.
Farmers in the area are being reminded look after their sheep, with risks of lamb and sheep losses possible.