Dramatic images show Melbourne is no stranger to floods

AS THE people of Melbourne brace for possible flooding today, it isn’t the first time the city has been underwater, as these dramatic pictures show.

An almost apocalyptic image from a 2010 flood as rain crashes down on Melbourne’s CBD.

MELBOURNE is due to get some wild weather today. There are grim warnings of possibly up to 200mm of rain over the next five days — but it’s not the first time Victoria’s capital has waded through some extremely wet days.

Old photographs of past storms show Melbourne’s CBD and suburbs are no strangers to flooding.

During a once-in-a-century flood, the State Emergency Service (SES) has warned large chunks of the city centre could find itself underwater, including Elizabeth St — which runs along a major drainage channel — as well parts of Kings Way, Flinders St, Southbank and Flemington Racecourse.

This photograph was taken of flash flooding in Elizabeth St on December 8, 1862

In December 1934, being a postie was a tough gig as flooding turned the streets of Melbourne into canals

In 1972, 75mm of rain fell on Melbourne over a short period sending waves of water down Elizabeth St.

According to the SES, areas of particular risk around the CBD are Kensington and North Melbourne which have flooded on numerous occasions including 1906, 1916, 1934, 1974, 1993, 2010 and 2011.

In 1955, schoolboys brave floodwaters in Jordanville. Picture: Frank Grant/ARGUS COLLECTION

The 1906 flood was the largest on record measuring 5.18m at the Maribyrnong Gauge.

In 1934, 350mm of rain fell in 48 hours over the Yarra catchment, with 140mm falling over metropolitan areas. Riverine flooding was widespread with 6000 people left homeless and 18 deaths.

At the time the Yarra became a “raging torrent”.

Elizabeth St, Melbourne CBD, during heavy rainfalls in 1972

A man swims along Elizabeth St during 2010 flooding

The second largest flood for Kensington occurred in May 1974 with 110mm rain in 48 hours. Flemington Racecourse was out of action until October.

In 2013, freak thunderstorms led to a “one-in-100 year event”. Flash flooding led people to be trapped in their cars on the Eastern Freeway.

In 1989, Surrey St in South Yarra received extensive damage after a record 100mm of rain that fell in just over an hour

Cars forge through a flooded South Melbourne street in 2005 after record rainfall

In 2010, Melbourne was again lashed by severe thunderstorms as well as strong winds dubbed a “mini cyclone”.

Heavy rain and hail fell, affecting much of the city and leaving major roads underwater.

In 2016, an asthma breakout linked to a major storm led to nine deaths in Melbourne.

The SES has warned that “no two floods are the same” and has advised people to have an escape plan should the waters rise.

Wild weather at Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, in 2010.

An almost apocalyptic image from a 2010 flood as rain crashes down on Melbourne’s CBD.

It warned: “If you live close to a creek, river or in a low-lying area, you may be at risk of flooding. If you live in a high-rise building, you might not be able to leave.

“Having a plan is especially important if you use underground car parking or storage. Even if you are not directly affected, you may still need to detour around flooded areas.”