Emergency services urge Victorians to prepare for flooding

As Victoria braces for a flooding emergency, a special warning has been issued for those working on construction sites.

Victoria is bracing for a major flood emergency, with some communities warned they could be isolated for up to 72 hours.

Significant flash flooding is expected to lash the state from Wednesday before peaking on Thursday.

Falls of up to 100mm are predicted in some areas north of the dividing range, while there are projections of between 30mm and 50mm to hit Melbourne.

The city last recorded a deluge of more than 50mm in March 2020.

Weather bureau forecaster Kevin Parkyn on Tuesday said he was “most concerned” about the intensity of the rain hitting the state.

“This event is probably the most significant rain event widespread across the state this year,” he said. “We’ve got a short-term flash flood risk as a result of that rainfall intensity and then a longer-term riverine flooding risk (from Friday and into the weekend as the water travels downstream).”

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Daniel Andrews said the state’s emergency services stood ready to respond to the damaging conditions.

But he urged everyone to make their own preparations for potential emergencies and have enough supplies on hand to last up to 72 hours. Homeowners have also been told to clear their gutters and remove debris that could become a missile during the storm.

“We know that our catchments are full. We know that we’ve had record rainfall to this point and the ground is absolutely sodden. So even a minor amount of rain would be a risk in terms of flooding,” the Premier said.

“But it’s not a minor rain event that we are forecasting. There will be significant rainfall in certain parts of the state, and that’ll pose a flooding risk to communities in lots of different places.”

The rain forecast for Victoria on Thursday. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

On Tuesday, a number of Victoria’s dams had already reached capacity, including the Dartmouth Dam, which in recent days spilt for the first time in 26 years.

Lake Eildon is about to overflow for the first time in almost 30 years, and the Thomson Dam could also spill this weekend. In Melbourne, the Tarago, Yan Yean and Maroondah reservoirs are over capacity.

Major flooding could occur in the Wimmera, Loddon, Campaspe and Avoca rivers, with authorities also concerned about the Broken, Goulburn, King and Ovens rivers.

SES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch said there was no advice yet for people in high-risk zones to evacuate or relocate.

“But there will be messaging that will start to come out … to indicate when people may need to do that,” he said.

Emergency services have pleaded again with motorists to steer clear of floodwaters, and the Department of Transport hasn’t ruled out closing some roads.

Premier Daniel Andrews is warning Victorians to be prepared for the massive rain event set to take place on Thursday. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Andrews said the government had prepared two caches of emergency supplies that could sustain 50 people for up to five days, while generators were also on standby if needed. He said he would not rule out calling on the ADF or other states for assistance if it was needed.

The wild weather, caused by tropical moisture building over the top end of Australia, will also bring damaging wind gusts of 90-100km/h.

Thousands of motorcycle riders heading to Phillip Island on Thursday for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix are set to still make the annual pilgrimage for the “ride to the island” day.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir warned heavy rain and floods were dangerous for any motorist but motorcyclists are “even more exposed and vulnerable in bad weather”.

OMINOUS WARNING TO TRADIES

Tradies have been told to down tools and prioritise safety ahead of Victoria’s imminent downpour.

WorkSafe Victoria said the safety concerns were growing for those working on construction sites and other outdoor areas in coming days.

“Avoiding exposure to bad weather is the best way to protect yourself and your workers,” WorkSafe Victoria health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said.

“Temporary fencing, construction tools and scaffold planks can cause serious harm to workers and the public if they become airborne in wild weather.

“Regularly checking weather conditions and rescheduling major outdoor projects for milder days is a sure way employers can help keep their workplaces safe.”

The workplace safety regulator accepted over 5500 injury claims involving falls, slips and trips last year.

The downpour is expected to bring up to 100mm of rain in some parts of the state. Picture: Mark Stewart

Builders and contractors are encouraged to secure their worksites before the wet weather hits, urged to tie down loose items or place them indoors.

“Construction sites are of particular concern, especially when it comes to the risk of falls, slips and trips,” a statement said.

“Ladders, stairs and elevated work platforms can all become more dangerous in the rain.

“It goes without saying, but water and electricity are a lethal combination. Powered tools must be stored away in a dry place before the rain hits.”

Since 2018, WorkSafe has received over 1800 claims from construction workers injured from falls alone.

MotoGP fans urged to be cautious on ‘ride to the island’

Thousands of motorbike riders heading to Phillip Island on Thursday for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix were warned of the forecast dangerous conditions.

The Thursday before the race weekend is the traditional “ride to the island” day with thousands en route, many from interstate.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said heavy rain and floods were dangerous for any motorist.

“But motorcyclists are even more exposed and vulnerable in bad weather.

“Motorcyclists need to do everything to keep themselves as safe as possible when travelling – including riding to the conditions, using a bike that suits their experience and skillset and always wearing the right protective gear,’’ Assistant Commissioner Weir said.

He also urged drivers to be on the lookout for riders in difficult conditions.

The Barry Sheene tribute ride from Bairnsdale to the circuit will continue on Thursday. Police officers will lead and trail the convoy of more than 100 motorcyclists.

Tens of thousands of bike fans will return to Phillip Island for the MotoGP after three Covid-interrupted years.

Victoria Police is conducting Operation Motosafe, with increased enforcement during October and a focus on commuters to and from the MotoGP.

A total of 44 motorcyclists have died on the state’s roads, compared to 30 at the same time last year.

About half of this year’s deaths have been unauthorised to ride – unlicensed, suspended or disqualified.