Pakenham residents are bracing themselves for potential flash flooding, with up to 50mm expected today, Thursday 13 October.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) put Southern Victoria on initial flood watch ahead of a cold front and low-pressure system with widespread heavy rainfall expected on Thursday.
In Pakenham, there is a very high (near 100 per cent) chance of rain. Heavy falls are possible, most likely later in the day or at night.
There will be northerly winds of 25 to 40km/h tending north to north-easterly 30 to 45km/h in the early afternoon then shifting west to south-westerly 15 to 25km/h in the evening.
Friday 14 October is also looking wet, with a very high (90 per cent) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon expected at 6 to 10mm, in addition to winds west to north-westerly of 25 to 40km/h.
Relief should come by Saturday with 0 to 0.4mm of rain predicted with only a slight (30 per cent) change of showers.
On Thursday, Melbourne is expected to receive 45-60mm, with much of the precipitation expected to hit later in the day or at night.
Higher rainfall totals above 80mm are possible on and north of the Victorian central ranges, according to the BOM.
Severe weather warnings for heavy rain leading to localised flash flooding will be issued for parts of both Victoria and Tasmania.
The additional rainfall this week will further exacerbate the flooding situation across southern NSW and Victoria, with the prime focus shifting to Victoria, northern Tasmania and southern New South Wales, with many moderate to major flood warnings possible depending on exactly where the heaviest falls occur.
Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch reminded communities to plan travel accordingly, and advised avoiding travelling on Thursday if possible.
“Large areas of flash flooding is expected on Thursday and then the possibility of major riverine flooding in multiple catchments,” Mr Wiebusch said.
“Please do not attempt to drive through flood water.
“It’s important to understand your flood risk. Find local flood guides for your area on the VICSES website.”
Residents and communities living on or near any rivers, creeks and streams or in low lying areas are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.
Victorian are encouraged to use emergency.vic.gov.au or the VicEmergency app to stay up to date with official sources of information.
The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 while the SES can be reached on 132 500.
