By GREGOR MACTAGGART
A SEVERE Weather Warning for damaging, locally destructive winds was issued on Wednesday night for parts of the state including the Latrobe Valley.
The latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology at 10.38pm, covers an area for people in Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland, and parts of the South West, Northern Country, North East and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
A low pressure system off the southern NSW coast is directing a strong south to southeasterly flow over Victoria.
A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also current for West and South Gippsland and parts of Central, North Central and North East Forecast Districts.
The Latrobe Valley received 29.8 mm of rain in the 13 hours leading up to 11pm on Wednesday.
Winds are likely to average 60 to 70 km/h from Wednesday night through to Thursday morning about the southern Gippsland coast, Port Phillip, the Gippsland Ranges and the Central Ranges, with peak gusts reaching around 110 km/h.
Peak gusts about the ranges are expected to reach 120 km/h during the same period.
Damaging winds will contract to southern parts of Gippsland and the Central Highlands during Thursday morning before easing below warning thresholds by early Thursday afternoon.
In addition to the two Severe Weather Warnings, a range of Flood Warnings were also issued on Wednesday.
Moderate flooding is occurring in the Morwell River.
Additional areas of minor to moderate flooding expected throughout the Latrobe River catchment overnight into Thursday.
Since 9am on Wednesday rainfall totals of 30 to 125mm have been recorded across the Latrobe River catchment.
Widespread rainfall totals of 40-100mm are forecast overnight into Thursday, with isolated higher totals possible about the ranges.
Latrobe River upstream of Yallourn:
Minor flooding is likely to develop along the Latrobe River upstream of Yallourn during Wednesday overnight into Thursday.
Moe River:
Minor flooding is likely to develop along the Moe River during Wednesday overnight into Thursday.
Tanjil River:
Minor to moderate flooding is expected along the Tanjil River from late Wednesday into Thursday.
Morwell River:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Morwell River during Wednesday evening.
Latrobe River Yallourn to Traralgon Creek:
Moderate flooding is expected along the Latrobe River (Yallourn to Traralgon Creek).
The Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge is currently at 1.63 metres and rising. The Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) Thursday morning. The river level is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (5.00 m) during Thursday.
Latrobe River downstream of Traralgon:
Minor flooding is expected along the Latrobe River downstream of Traralgon.
The Latrobe River at Rosedale (Main Stream) is currently at 1.45 metres and steady. The Latrobe River at Rosedale (Main Stream) is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Friday.
Flood Safety Advice:
SES advises that all community members should:
- Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater,
- Never allow children to play in floodwater,
- Stay away from waterways and stormwater drains during and after heavy rain,
- Keep well clear of fallen power lines
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks, and heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Contact Information
Current Emergency Information is available at http://emergency.vic.gov.au
For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Current Road and Traffic Information is available at the VicRoads website: http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Latest River Heights:
| Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latrobe River at Noojee | 1.91 | Rising | 10:17 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Latrobe River at Willow Grove | 2.04 | Steady | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Tanjil River at Tanjil Junction | 1.40 | Rising | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Tanjil River at Tanjil South | 1.44 | Steady | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Moe River at Darnum | 2.56 | Rising | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Moe Drain at Trafalgar East | 1.13 | Rising | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Narracan Creek at Thorpdale | 1.24 | Rising | 09:02 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Narracan Creek at Moe | 0.73 | Rising | 10:11 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Morwell River at Boolarra | 3.53 | Rising | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge | 1.63 | Rising | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Latrobe River at Rosedale (Main Stream) | 1.45 | Steady | 09:25 PM WED 09/06/21 |
| Latrobe River at Kilmany | 2.76 | Steady | 10:00 PM WED 09/06/21 |
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* Be aware – heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines – always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
