By Callum Ludwig
The Yarra and Watts River could see flooding today with heavy rainfall seeing a minor flood warning issued from Millgrove to Coldstream.
The level of the Yarra River at Coldstream is currently at 3.76 metres and rising. It is expected to peak near the Minor Flood Level (4.00 metres) overnight.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Phoebe de Wilt said we will have showers increasing throughout today, Thursday 18 August, ahead of a cold front across the state.
“We have seen some showers this morning, but the largest amounts of rainfall we are expecting later this afternoon and into this evening. The warning indicates that we expect minor flooding of the Yarra River because of what we are seeing in these catchments,” she said.
“It’s really important to follow all the advice from your local emergency services, if there are roads that are closed, or cut off, or you come across flood borders, don’t drive through them. It seems obvious to say, but we really need to emphasise, do not drive, walk or play in floodwaters.”
The Yarra River catchment has recorded rainfall averaging about 9mm in the upper part of the catchment and about 1 mm in the lower part of the catchment since 9am on Tuesday 16 August 2022.
The Watts River catchment has recorded rainfall averaging about 7 mm since 9am on Tuesday 16 August 2022.
Rainfall totals of 5-15 mm are forecast for both catchments for Thursday 18 August 2022.
Ms de Wilt said there is currently still a damaging wind warning for parts of the central and northeast ranges.
“We have been seeing gusts in excess of 90 kilometres per hour, particularly in the northern suburbs of Melbourne but also extending into those alpine regions. The warning is expected to remain in place for the rest of today and contract eastward later this evening,” she said.
“Because of the saturated catchments that we’ve got, even once those winds ease below those warning thresholds, there’s still chance that tree branches can fall and trees can fall over from those really wet, wet grounds.”
Residents will likely notice high river levels and potential flooding in areas close to rivers and streams with minor flooding in the Yarra River catchment expected to affect low-lying areas adjacent to the waterway including bicycle paths.
Residents are advised to be prepared to act if their situation changes, and stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Ms de Wilt said we can expect to see the rainfall ease over the weekend.
“We are expecting showers to ease over Friday and Saturday, so not too much more in the way of rainfall, and there’ll be a bit of a break from showers and rain on Sunday,” she said.
“But we are expecting the next significant system to come across during Monday. There could be possibly more warnings with further wind and rainfall.”
The next update on the VicEmergency alert is expected by 5pm on Thursday 18 August or as the situation changes.
