Flash flooding fears as Geelong braces for the worst

Geelong and Surf Coast residents could cop a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours as it braces for the worst of a severe weather system crossing Victoria.

Geelong and Surf Coast residents could cop a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours as it braces for the worst of a severe weather system crossing Victoria.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Laczko said tropical air feeding a slow-moving low pressure system will bring 15-40mm to the region from late Monday, with the worst conditions expected on Tuesday morning.

According to a severe weather warning issued Monday, localised falls of 50-70mm are possible, bringing the potential for flash flooding.

“We’re likely to see higher rainfall totals about the hills, against the Otways ranges and also locally under thunderstorms,” Mr Laczko said.

“We’re expect 30-40km/h average winds, but it will be gustiest on Tuesday afternoon and into the evening as the low goes by.”

Flooding on Eastern beach Road near Royal Geelong Yacht Club in February. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The SES is warning people to limit their travel on Tuesday, drive to the conditions if you need to be outside, and never drive through floodwater.

In the 2019-20 financial year, the SES was forced to conduct 175 rescues due to cars floating off flooded roads in as little as 15cm of water.

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There are also fears fierce wind storms in recent months could have loosened heavy branches, which could be brought down in strong winds.

“We’re expecting some flash flooding in Geelong with the rain totals being predicted,” an SES spokesman said.

“We ask people to delay their travel during the peak of that rainfall and if the road in front of them is flooded, seek an alternative route.

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“Trees and branches can also be compromised by previous storms and follow-up storms only increase the likelihood there could be falling trees and branches, so we ask people to take care as motorists and pedestrians.”

Three people have died in Victoria this year due to falling branches in high winds, while in Geelong a man in his 60s was forced into hospital after being struck by a branch while walking his dog in September.

Geelong’s wettest day so far this year delivered 37.4mm back in February.

Originally published as Flash flooding fears as Geelong braces for the worst