KATRINA BRANDON
By KATRINA BRANDON
FLOODS hit the Latrobe Valley last week, with more than 60 millimetres falling. The random flooding events have left people wondering if El Niño was actually coming, and it looks like yes, it is. Senior Meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, Angus Hines said during an El Niño event, “we tend to see a reduction in cloud coverage and rainfall over eastern parts of the country during winter and spring.” “However, significant rain is still possible, especially those of short duration. El Niño increases the probability for drier conditions, but it is not guaranteed. We can still have both dry and wet periods.” Last Wednesday to Saturday were under a severe weather warning of strong winds and heavy rains over Gippsland areas. The alert urged people to watch out on the VicEmergency app to guarantee safety in cases of emergency and to drive carefully, ensuring they have headlights on and to not drive through flood waters. On Wednesday, VicEmergency had a press conference with Victoria State Emergency Service Chief Operations Officer, Tim Wiebusch, and Senior Meteorologist, Kevin Parkyn, to discuss the storm’s outcome. Mr Wiebusch said that although Latrobe Valley was to have heavy rainfall, the area wouldn’t get levels such as the October storms, and that people should be alert and ensure they have a plan if levels move from moderate to severe. Mr Parkyn said that over the 24 hours to 36 hours, they expected to receive up to 100mm, keeping at a minor to moderate flood watch. Mr Parkyn was more concerned about wind speeds, which were to reach up to 90 kilometres per hour and to be classified as ‘damaging winds,’ which caused SES to receive 300 emergency requests on Wednesday alone. Nine News reported 656 calls statewide to the SES last Wednesday and Thursday. In advance of the extreme weather event, additional support was sent to Gippsland areas in case of flooding or damages. Mr Wiebusch warned that there might be more rain during the weekend, causing minor river flooding, and for people to stay updated on the SES website for planning and the VicEmergeny app or the VicRoads website for road closures. During the conference, Mr Wiebusch said, “Don’t go into flood waters. It may be the last choice you make.” Further updates followed on Friday, with closures for Cairnbrook Road, and Bassets Lane for Glengarry, Downies Lane, Whittakers Rd and the skate park in Traralgon all closed due to flood waters. Roads in Glengarry reopened Sunday afternoon. Heavy rain occurred on Saturday, with little to no respite. For the latest forecasts, warnings, long-range forecasts, and information on El Niño, visit www.bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app. Road closures can be found at alerts.vicroads.vic.gov.au/gippsland
