TOM HAYES and ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
By TOM HAYES and ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
HEAVY downpours and storms are striking eastern Australia, with parts of Gippsland inundated with flash flooding.
Parts of the Latrobe Valley received more than 100mm of rain over the last two days (October 3-4), while Traralgon suffered minor flash flooding at points closest to the catchments.
Now would be the perfect time to explain Victorian weather to someone, as only days prior the community was on high alert for bushfires in the Rawson and Briagolong areas.
Gippsland Memorial Park in Traralgon suffered sunken graves, which is a common occurrence due to this weather due to the weight of the water.
“Our staff will be working hard over the next few days to get everything looking good by the weekend,” Gippsland Memorial Park Traralgon wrote in an update on Facebook.
Even indoor sport couldn’t escape the perils of the downpour, with Stadium 34 in Moe having to close its doors for consecutive nights following a leaking roof.
A flood watch was issued for Eastern Victoria yesterday (October 3) including some locally-based rivers.
The Macalister and Latrobe Rivers were listed as major flood warnings, while minor and moderate flooding can be expected within the Thomson, Avon and Mitchell Rivers.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Tanjil South recorded 107mm of rainfall in 24 hours, while Traralgon saw 89mm.
Other areas to watch include towns and surrounding areas of Traralgon South (75-80mm), Moe South (79mm), Thorpdale (77mm) and Jeeralang North (73mm).
On Wednesday, a low-pressure system deepened throughout the east coasts of New South Wales and Victoria, leaving a minor to moderate mark in the Latrobe Valley region.
The storm in question stretched from southern Queensland to the north-east coast of Tasmania, which drifted easterly toward the coast.
Minor to moderate flooding is expected within the region and listed rivers.
Latrobe City Council advises road users that they will see an increase in emergency services on the roads.
For live updates use the VicEmergency app or website at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
More to come.
Soaked: Paddocks along Traralgon Creek Road are filled with water from the storm event. Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic
