Storm risk prompts calls for communities to prepare

Victorians are being urged to prepare for adverse weather in the coming days, with potentially severe localised storms forecast in a range of locations across the state.

Following a severe hailstorm and heavy rainfall event which significantly impacted the Casterton community in Victoria’s west yesterday evening on 16 October, VICSES is calling on community members to prepare their properties for potential of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds in the next 48 hours.

Severe storms developed over Casterton around 5.30pm on Wednesday causing a significant volume of damage to buildings and property as some streets and homes experienced flash flooding and damaging winds.

VICSES Dartmoor Unit volunteers were called to more than 100 requests for assistance (RFAs) overnight supported by neighbouring SES volunteer units, local CFA and SASES teams from Mt Gambier today.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast thunderstorms are at risk of developing from the state’s northwest throughout Thursday in the late afternoon to evening, with adverse weather expected to develop into Friday placing parts of the state’s northeast at risk of giant hail, destructive winds and heavy to intense rain throughout Friday 18 October.

The Bureau issued a severe weather warning just after 11:00am this morning for damaging winds across the Grampians and Central Ranges forecast districts overnight Thursday, with the potential for severe thunderstorms in the northeast.

Across the state, community members are encouraged to tie down loose items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines, and park their vehicles undercover or away from trees.

Motorists should avoid driving through heavily treed areas during periods of high winds or hail and remain vigilant to the risk of fallen trees and flash flooding if travel is unavoidable, with many expected to travel across Victoria to visit Phillip Island in the coming days for this weekend’s MotoGP event.

Those travelling are also reminded to slow to 40km/h if passing emergency service first responders tending to a roadside incident if vehicle emergency lights are flashing. It is the law and applies to all roads, including freeways to ensure the safety of responders. You must also slow down even if the law enforcement or emergency vehicle is in the service lane or on a dividing strip.

For up-to-date warnings, visit emergency.vic.gov.au, and contact VICSES on 132 500 for emergency assistance to impacts from flood or storm.

Quotes attributable to VICSES State Agency Commander, David Baker:

“We are already seeing severe weather pass through the State, with hailstorms and heavy rain and affecting parts of Southwest Victoria, in particular the township of Casterton, overnight.”

“With a break in the weather expected before more severe weather overnight tonight and into tomorrow, now is the time to prepare your property.”

“Ensure you have a plan in place, and that you park your vehicles under cover and away from trees. Download the VicEmergency app for up to date warnings in the event of a storm or flood”

“It’s vital Victorians never drive on flooded roads, it can take just 15cm of water to float a small car.”