SES receives more than 70 calls for help as rain hits Geelong, Surf Coast

The state’s environmental watchdog has issued a warning for swimmers to steer clear of local beaches due to poor water quality after heavy rainfall overnight.

Payten Farnsworth, 5 from Ballarat enjoys the puddles at the Ocean Grove caravan park. Picture: Brad Fleet

Rain has lashed the Geelong region overnight with the State Emergency Service (SES) receiving more than 70 calls for help.

Weather bureau senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said, as of Monday morning, 29mm of rain had fallen in Moolap since 9am on Sunday and 21mm at the Geelong Racecourse.

A SES spokeswoman said the South Barwon unit was the fourth busiest in the state overnight after receiving 77 calls for help in the past 24 hours to 7am for flooding, building damage, and downed trees.

SES Bellarine and Torquay units both received three calls for assistance in the same period.

According to VicEmergency, there were multiple trees down on Portarlington Rd in Leopold on Monday morning.

Ms Johnson said compared to other parts of the state, Geelong and the Surf Coast were not hit as hard by rain.

Heathcote and Reesdale, both in central Victoria, received 165mm and 132mm of rain respectively in the past 24 hours.

There was potentially more rainfall expected for Monday but the chance of severe thunderstorms was unlikely, Ms Johnson said.

Wet weather in Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet

The heavy rainfall across the state also resulted in poor water quality for local beaches with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issuing a warning to swimmers.

Eastern Beach’s water quality was rated poor on Monday and was not suitable for swimming.

Portarlington, St Leonards and Queenscliff beaches were also rated poor.

EPA chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Taylor said the rain flowing through rivers and creeks had picked up debris, animal faeces and vegetation which created an increased risk of gastro and skin rashes.

“Expect conditions to be poor for several days,” he said.

“Check the water and if it’s discoloured or smells badly and it’s been raining recently, then avoid swimming or other activities like kayaking and canoeing.

“There are still many families who will be enjoying waterside holidays and as the weather eases will be keen to get back into the water.”

Ms Johnston said light showers will gradually ease on Monday afternoon and conditions were expected to improve into the week.

“The humidity will ease in the next few days but is expected to pick up again on Friday,” she said.

Geelong is set to hit 25C on Tuesday and Wednesday with conditions expected to remain cloudy.

Originally published as SES receives more than 70 calls for help as rain hits Geelong, Surf Coast