The State Emergency Service has issued a flood watch for the Broken River catchment.
Major flooding is likely across a number of northern Victorian catchments and widespread minor to moderate flooding is expected across northern and parts of western Victoria.
While the Broken River in Benalla is currently below flood levels, the SES is concerned due to the amount of possible flooding across the state.
Full dams, rivers, creeks and sodden ground mean there is nowhere for water to go if a large volume does go through Benalla.
A cold front is moving into the west of the state, bringing showers and rain. Rainfall will increase during Thursday and Friday.
Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is forecast for northern and western Victoria from overnight Wednesday, extending into central and north-eastern parts during Thursday morning.
Catchments in the flood watch area are very wet as a result of the recent rainfall, and river levels are elevated within some catchments.
Flooding is likely to develop from Thursday.
Widespread minor to major flooding is expected across northern Victoria and parts of western Victoria.
Catchments likely to be affected include:
- Broken River;
- Broken Creek;
- Seven and Castle Creeks;
- Goulburn River upstream of Lake Eildon;
- Goulburn River Eildon to Seymour; and
- Goulburn River downstream of Seymour.
Stay informed — monitor your local conditions and remain alert.
What you should do:
- Farmers should consider moving livestock and machinery to higher ground;
- Review your emergency plan and check your emergency kit is fully stocked, if you have one;
- Decide what you and your family will do if flooding impacts you. For information on how to prepare go to www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/floodsafe; and
- Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Impacts in your area:
- Local roads may be closed and low bridges may be underwater;
- Find local flood information and practical advice about how to prepare at www.ses.vic.gov.au
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au;
- VicEmergency Hotline — freecall 1800 226 226;
- VicEmergency app;
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfloods); and
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
- To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
More details at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/22560/moreinfo