IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for HEAVY RAINFALL

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

Issued at 4:37 pm Friday, 23 October 2020.

Heavy Rainfall about northern, central and eastern Victoria.

Weather Situation:
A low pressure system currently over South Australia is expected to deepen through Friday while moving southeastwards, extending a trough over Victoria Friday evening with the low to then pass just north of the state on Saturday morning.

Isolated showers and thunderstorms with HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING are occurring across northern and central Victoria.

Showers expected to increase to widespread HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING about central Victoria and the eastern highlands during Friday evening, extending to the Mallee and Gippsland early Saturday morning.

Broad rainfall rates of 10 to 35mm over six hours are likely within the warning area, with up to 60mm over six hours possible.

Rain areas will begin contracting eastward during Saturday morning before clearing the state Saturday evening.

An Flood Watch is current for North East Victoria, and parts of Central Victoria and Gippsland.

A Minor Flood Warning is current for the Kiewa River.

Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Wangaratta and outer Melbourne metro.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Friday.

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.