Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 8:30 am Thursday, 30 November 2023.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue about parts of eastern Victoria

A broad low pressure system near the southeast coast of New South Wales is directing a vigorous southeasterly flow with rich moisture over eastern Victoria. The low will move slowly towards the east, moderating conditions by late Thursday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected to continue over parts of eastern Victoria, primarily about the windward slopes and peaks of the ranges. Peak six-hourly totals of 40 to 80 mm are likely with isolated falls up to 100 mm.

DAMAGING WINDS from the southeast averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely across the higher topography and immediate lee slopes of the Alpine areas, and are possible though slightly weaker elsewhere in the warning area.

Conditions should generally ease by late Thursday evening, although heavy rain may persist into early Friday morning for far eastern Gippsland.

Several flood watches and warnings are also current for these areas. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Buchan, Mallacoota, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Omeo.

Significant rainfall in the 6 hours to 8:00am:

70.0 mm at Chandlers Creek

69 mm at Mount Waldron

Mount Hotham reported sustained gale force winds with gusts to 93 km/h at around 8:00am

Mount buller reported sustained gale force winds at around 8:00am.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.