Thursday 14 October 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Intense cold outbreak - Snow and rain expected across Victoria

Victorians in mountain areas are likely to be waking to snow on Saturday morning as the state experiences an unusual late-season cold outbreak.

Sheep graziers are also being warned of the potential risk to their livestock.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the widespread cold across Victoria for tomorrow night (Friday 15 October) accompanied by snow falls down to low levels.

There will also be heavy rain in some areas leading to some riverine flooding at minor to moderate levels. As at midday today (Thursday 14 October) flood warnings have been issued for the Murray River upstream of Lake Hume, Seven and Castle Creeks. Flood watches have been issued for Goulburn and Broken Basins, North East Victoria, Barwon, Moorabool, Leigh and Hovells Creek catchments and Otway Ranges.

A warning has been issued for sheep graziers in the Western, North Central, Wimmera, Central, West and South Gippsland, East Gippsland and Northeast forecast districts. With the cold temperatures, showers and strong southwesterly winds expected there is a high risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to the conditions.

Snow falls are expected down to 500 metres above sea level Friday night affecting the Grampians, Ballarat, Dandenongs and the Alpine areas in the east of the State. Bushwalkers or people who are likely to be in mountainous areas should prepare for severe winter conditions.

Historically, severe cold events such as this are usually confined to the months between May and September.

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