From the Guardian · Australian Associated Press · · 1m 40s
Victoria braces for major flooding as rain batters saturated catchments
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for most of Victoria as a severe weather system dumps up to 90mm of rain on already sodden ground.
In brief
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for most of Victoria as a severe weather system dumps up to 90mm of rain on already sodden ground. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch for most of Victoria as heavy rain continues, with up to ninety millimetres forecast and isolated falls up to one hundred…
Flood watch issued across Victoria
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for most of Victoria including the north-east, central, south-west and north-west, as well as parts of Gippsland.
Up to 90mm forecast for key regions
The Otway Ranges south-west of Melbourne and Gippsland are facing twenty-four-hour rain totals up to ninety millimetres, with isolated falls up to one hundred fifty millimetres possible in elevated regions.
Soils already saturated from recent rain
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned that over one hundred millimetres has already fallen in parts of the Otways, with soils already saturated from recent days of heavy rain.
“This is on top of the rain you've already had in the last few days, so I'll say it again, the soils are already saturated.”
NSW faces thunderstorms and damaging winds
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Illawarra and parts of south coast, central and southern tablelands, the central west slopes and plains in New South Wales.
More flood warnings expected over weekend
Hines said the situation was dynamic and it was highly likely more flood warnings would be issued as more rivers were expected to see rises across the weekend.
Severe weather to clear by end of weekend
The severe weather is expected to clear by the end of the weekend, with conditions not expected to ease until late Saturday in Victoria.
The key point
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch for most of Victoria as heavy rain continues, with up to ninety millimetres forecast and isolated falls up to one hundred fifty millimetres possible in elevated regions.
