Geelong floods: Barwon River hits limit, roads remain close, flooding warning active
The Barwon River could get to 3.4m by Monday following a forecasted deluge. The Barwon Valley golf course is again under water.
Geelong
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Authorities are watching with expectations the Barwon River could rise to 3.4 metres by Monday afternoon and add further flooding pain already felt in the community.
The height of the river increased to 3.05m on Sunday evening, almost 1.5 metre higher than the 1.59m level recorded on Friday.
“The river level may reach around 3.40 metres overnight Sunday into Monday,” a watch and act warning on the Vic Emergency website read.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting up to 36mm of rain could fall in Geelong this week with a bucketing of up to 25mm expected on Monday.
About 45mm of rain feel in Geelong between 10pm Friday and 7.30am Saturday, including 9.2mm in about 30 minutes between 9.30pm and 10pm Friday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
That caused flash flooding in some parts as Yarra St turned into a mock river and Hovells Creek in Lara overflowed. Flood waters rose to knee height in North Geelong.
There were about 100 reports of flash flooding across the Barwon south west region.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said Victorian rivers could rise further on Monday.
“Rain and thunderstorms with heavy falls will spread across Victoria and New South Wales on Monday could lead to renewed river level rises across Victoria,” the spokesman said.
“A low-pressure system over South Australia and near the New South Wales and Queensland border is combining with a high-pressure system near New Zealand to direct humid tropical air across eastern Australia. This pattern is moving slowly, bringing showers, rain and thunderstorms.
“The weather is likely to become more settled mid-week, though showers will continue in Victoria.
“Communities, especially those living on or near any rivers, creeks and streams or in low lying areas, are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings via the Bureau’s website and the BOM Weather app, and to follow the advice of emergency services.”
Corio Bay Rowing Club president Rob England said he was worried about the amount of rainfall November would bring given some of Geelong’s worst flooding had occurred in that month.
State Emergency Service data shows the Barwon River reached 5.23m in November 1995 and 4.5m in November 1978.
Mr England said he was preparing for the bottom level of the club’s facility along the Barwon River near the Moorabool St bridge to flood again this week due to the high amount of rain predicted.
“The water is nearly in our shed again. I think we’re going to have to do it all again. I suspect we will be flooded again,” Mr England said reflecting on a fortnight during which the club had flooded.
“There seems to be so much silt associated with this flooding. It makes the clean up so much harder.”
On Saturday Mr England said: “It seems that we are in a very wet period and this is new territory. I haven’t seen the river this full for a long time.”
Barwon Valley Golf Club general manager Nathan Sharrock said the club was closed since October 9 due to flooding, and he had not seen so much flooding at the club since 1995.
Parts of the course were again underwater on Sunday.
“This is our third time flooded in three weeks,” Mr Sharrock said.
He said the entire course was inundated with water last weekend when the Barwon River hit 3.86m.
“Every green was inundated. We had 800mm of water in the pro shop, and the clubhouse was saved by about 400mm.
“If it floods again it would set us back at least another couple of weeks.”
“Over the last week, we’ve had 35 plus volunteers all come in and basically scrub the mud off the greens. If we don’t get it off, they’ll die.”
She Oaks, near Meredith, recorded 85mm of rain between 6.30pm on Friday and 7.30am Saturday, with more than 40mm recorded in just 30 minutes.
City of Greater Geelong city services director Guy Wilson-Browne said the city received requests to close 13 roads on Saturday as a result of the deluge, including key CBD streets.
“Our municipal emergency management officer received several calls during the night from Victoria Police and the SES,” Mr Wilson-Browne said on Saturday.
“Our after-hours customer service line also received multiple calls.
“Given the amount of rain that fell in such a short period of time, a number of drains were overflowing – however, most cleared quickly once the rain subsided.”
“Our emergency management team and city works crews will continue to work with the SES, Victoria Police and flood analysts today (Saturday) to address all current issues and monitor water levels, including at Hovells Creek and the Barwon River.
“A reminder to all members of the community to stay safe by never driving, walking, riding through or playing in flood waters.”
Members of the community can report storm damage to roads or council land by calling 5272 5272.
A statewide hotline is available on 1800 560 760 where help to navigate support is on offer.
20 roads closed in Geelong
THE Barwon River is overflowing in Geelong as about 20 roads remain closed in the region, with minor flooding resulting from an overnight deluge.
The Barwon River hit 2.17m and was listed as ‘rising’ at 4pm on Saturday, after 45mm of rain fell in Geelong between 10pm on Friday and 7.30am on Saturday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau warned of “minor flooding” in Geelong as a result of the downpour, with VicRoads’ VicTraffic website noting 20 roads remained closed across the region at 5pm on Saturday.
City of greater Geelong Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne revealed the city received requests to close 13 separate roads on Saturday as a result of the deluge, including key CBD streets.
“Our Municipal Emergency Management Officer received several calls during the night from Victoria Police and the SES,” Mr Wilson-Browne said. “Our after-hours customer service line also received multiple calls.
“Given the amount of rain that fell in such a short period of time, a number of drains were overflowing – however, most cleared quickly once the rain subsided.”
“Our Emergency Management team and City Works crews will continue to work with the SES, Victoria Police and flood analysts today to address all current issues and monitor water levels, including at Hovells Creek and the Barwon River.
“A reminder to all members of the community to stay safe by never driving, walking, riding through or playing in flood waters.”
Members of the community can report storm damage to roads or Council land by calling 5272 5272, with a statewide hotline available to help impacted people find and navigate available support by dialling 1800 560 760.
EARLIER: Geelong on flood watch following deluge
The Barwon River could burst its banks on Saturday afternoon, with a flood warning issued for the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of “minor flooding” in Geelong, following rising water levels along Leigh, Moorabool and Barwon rivers after significant overnight rainfall.
Geelong was smashed by rain overnight, with heavy falls leading to flash flooding across parts of the region.
Records show 45mm of rain fell at Geelong Racecourse between 10pm on Friday and 7.30am on Saturday.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 9.2mm of that was recorded in about 30 minutes between 9.30pm and 10pm.
Heavy falls continued throughout most of the night, with more than 10mm recorded between 4am and 4.30am.
It’s understood authorities were working to address flooding issues on Saturday morning, with reports of flooding at the The Carousel at the waterfront and in other areas.
“Minor flooding is occurring along the Moorabool River at Batesford Bridge and is likely to develop along the Barwon River at Geelong from late Saturday afternoon,” the weather bureau said in a statement.
“Further rainfall is forecast from Sunday into early next week.
“A flood watch is current advising of the potential for renewed flooding. The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as necessary.”
As of midday on Saturday the Barwon River in Geelong was at 1.96m and rising.
“The Barwon River at Geelong is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.30m) late Saturday afternoon,” the weather bureau said.
“Further rises are likely into Sunday and the river level may reach around 2.90 metres Sunday evening.”
She Oaks, near Meredith, recorded 85mm of rain between 6.30pm on Friday and 7.30am Saturday, with more than 40mm recorded in just 30 minutes.
The storm missed Avalon, with the radar recording just 2mm of rain over the same period.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Miriam Bradbury said the intense rain could lead to flooding conditions in parts of the state.
“It’s really clear that it (the rain) was due to the thunderstorms,” she said.
“We are back in minor flooding in the Leigh River and Moorabool River. It’s also triggered Riverine flooding.”
She said some rain was predicted for Saturday afternoon, but it was expected to be limited to about 10mm.
Geelong State Emergency Service wrote on social media: “Bear with us, we currently have multi requests for assistance.”
“It is going to take some time before we will be able to get to everybody. If your situation is life threatening call triple-0.”
It’s understood there were about 100 reports of flash flooding across the Barwon South West region.
It follows heavy rain last week that resulted in the Barwon River bursting.
The EPA issued a warning on Friday night, urging people against coming into contact with water in the river.
“EPA has tested bacterial levels in the Barwon River in Geelong and Barwon Heads and, as a precautionary measure, advises to avoid contact with water in the River,” a statement read/ “EPA has also reviewed satellite images for the Barwon Heads area and recommends avoiding discoloured water at beaches near the River mouth.”
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