11/10/2022
**This warning has been updated, stay informed http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in Mallee, Northern Country and parts of Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:57 pm Tuesday, 11 October 2022.
Heavy rainfall to impact western and central parts of Victoria from early Thursday morning.
Weather Situation: A deep low-pressure system south of the Great Australian Bight is forecast to extend a strong cold front over western Victoria late on Wednesday before it slowly shifts eastward over central parts of the state during Thursday. This system is forecast to combine with a deep tropical airmass to cause widespread areas of heavy rainfall across western and central parts of the state.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for northern and western Victoria from overnight Wednesday and through Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 50 mm are likely, with isolated heavier falls of 65 mm. 24 hour totals during Thursday are expected to reach 50 to 70 mm, with isolated totals to 100 mm over higher terrain.
Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Flood Warnings are current for catchments in the Northern Country, North Central, North East and parts of the Wimmera and the Mallee. A Flood Watch has also been issued for catchments in the northern regions and parts of southern Victoria. See http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat and Geelong.
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.