Alexandra Newspapers

4 days ago

Severe Weather Warning
for HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS

For people in North East and parts of Central, East Gippsland, Northern Country, North Central and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 9:44 am Saturday, 16 November 2024.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds developing about the northeast early Sunday morning.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front moving across Victoria on Saturday night will move into the northeast of the state early Sunday morning and combine with elevated moisture feeding into the area from the north.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast with areas of rain and thunderstorms for the northeast of Victoria from early Sunday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 30 to 60 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 80 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls of 120 mm possible.

Localised INTENSE RAINFALL is also possible with thunderstorms. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Locally Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are possible for areas of elevated terrain across the northeast ranges and parts of the central ranges from early Sunday morning.

Heavy rainfall and Damaging winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds late Sunday afternoon or evening.

Locations which may be affected include Seymour, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bright and Falls Creek.

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 AEDT Saturday.

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. ... See MoreSee Less