Prepare for flooding

All Victorians are being urged to prepare for a significant flooding event this week as heavy rainfall is expected from today.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting peak rainfall totals of 60-100mm across much of Victoria, with the potential for major riverine flooding, as well as flash flooding in some areas including metropolitan Melbourne.
BOM has predicted widespread minor to moderate flooding across the flood watch area, with major flooding likely in some catchments from Thursday.
The rain will continue throughout Thursday and Friday.  Catchments likely to be affected include the Thomson River, Latrobe River, Bunyip River and Dandenong Creek, and South Gippsland Rivers.
At the moment West and South Gippsland are forecast to potentially experience a thunderstorm this afternoon and this evening.
On Thursday, there is a near 100 per cent chance of rain in the region, with heavy falls possible in the west. Winds are expected to be north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h tending east to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day then tending north to northeasterly in the late afternoon. Temperates are expected to reach a max of 17 degrees, and 35 to 40mm of rain is forecast.
On Friday, there is a 95 per cent chance of rain, with snow falling above 1400m. There is also a chance of another thunderstorm. Winds are expected westerly, from 25 to 40 km/h. Temperatures are forecast to reach 16 degrees, and eight to 16mm of rain is expected.
Emergency Management Victoria Deputy Commissioner Chris Stephenson has urged communities to get ready early.

"While emergency services work hard to support everyone, it's important for communities to be prepared by ensuring they have enough supplies for the first 72 hours following an emergency," he said.
"Our volunteers and staff will do everything they can to support and assist communities, but preparing for emergencies is a shared responsibility and it's important that communities do their part too."

Victorian State Emergency Service Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch reminded residents to plan travel according to the conditions and advised to avoid travelling on Thursday, if possible.
"Large areas of flash flooding is expected on Thursday and then the possibility of major riverine flooding in multiple catchments. Please do not attempt to drive through flood water," he said.
"It's important to understand your flood risk. Find local flood guides for your area on the VICSES website."
SES advises that 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.
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/
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