Premier Dan Andrews warns Victorians of flooding as the state braces for ‘significant rain event’

Residents in Victoria are being urged to prepare for wild weather as a “major rainstorm” ravages the state.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Daniel Andrews warned Victorians of torrential rains, thunderstorms and high winds that were causing flooding in parts of the state.

The wet weather is expected to start on Wednesday and ‘intensify’ on Thursday with up to 100mm of rain expected.

‘Our catchments are full, we’ve had record rains so far and the ground is absolutely soaked, so even a small amount of rain would pose a risk of flooding – but it’s not a small rain shower that we predict,’ Mr Andries said.

“There will be a lot of rain in certain parts of the state and that will pose a flood risk to many communities in different places.”

Senior meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology Kevin Parkin said he was concerned about a “short-term flash flood” risk caused by heavy rainfall on Thursday, followed by a “longer-term” river flood risk as water filters through the state’s river systems.

Mr Parkin explained that the rain was caused by tropical moisture accumulating over Australia’s summit, coupled with a third consecutive year of La Nina.

“I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that Thursday is a flash flood, heavy rain day, so be prepared,” Mr Parkin said.

‘We will have to deal with a river flood in the coming days.

‘However, it’s not just about rain, these weather systems are often accompanied by strong winds and damaging gusts that end up at higher locations.’

At least 20mm of rain is expected in Melbourne and Geelong, and up to 100mm in some areas in the northeast of the state.

Mr Parkin said between 60mm and 100mm of rain is expected around the Great Dividing Range, while winds are forecast to reach speeds of 90km/h to 100km/h.

Wet weather is expected to start on Wednesday and ‘intensify’ on Thursday with up to 100mm of rain expected (photo, Bureau of Meteorology rain forecast)

Nine flood warnings have been issued in the state, including for the Goulburn, Avoca and Loddon rivers (pictured)

There are nine flood warnings in the state, including for the Goulburn, Avoca and Loddon rivers.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and prepare for isolation, with residents in flood-prone areas being warned of possible isolation that could last up to 72 hours.

Victoria State Emergency Service Tim Wiebusch advised residents to be alert and pay attention to weather warnings.

Mr Wiebusch said motorists should not attempt to enter floodwaters and advised residents to prepare their homes for heavy rain and high winds.

“Now is the time to clear your storm wells and gutters around your house and make sure there is no debris lying around your house that could become a rocket in high winds,” Mr Wiebusch said.

Flood-prone communities are urged to prepare for possible isolation of up to 72 hours (photo, people observing floodwaters in Traralgon, Victoria)

Residents have been asked not to drive in floodwater under any circumstances (photo, abandoned car in floodwater in Traralgon, Victoria)

Andrews also said the government has prepared “community containers” for flood-isolated areas, which will have enough food, water and supplies for 50 people for five days.

A fleet of emergency vehicles – including six new helicopters – are on standby to assist with airlift supplies, equipment and emergency services, and more than 200 generators are available to assist with power outages.

In just an hour, a downpour on Friday caused flash flooding and accounted for more than half of Melbourne’s average rainfall in October.