Developing East Coast Low forecast to impact eastern Victoria

12/06/2013

The Bureau of Meteorology is encouraging Victorians to keep a close eye on weather developments over the next few days.

Although there has been a weakening of a low pressure system moving over Victoria today, an East Coast Low is forecast to develop off the New South Wales coast early Thursday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding to the East Gippsland region.

Bureau of Meteorology Regional Director for Victoria, Tarini Casinader, said the heaviest rainfall will be determined by where the low develops, and how it intensifies during the next three days.

“Most of the rainfall is forecast for central Gippsland on Thursday, then over East Gippsland on Friday,” said Ms Casinader.

“Total rainfall over the three days is forecast to exceed 100mm over much of Gippsland, with some areas receiving as much as 150mm – or the equivalent of twice the average monthly rainfall for June.

“Rainfall around the Melbourne metropolitan area may exceed 40mm during the three days, depending where the low’s centre is located. Strong winds will follow behind the low pressure system on Thursday and Friday.

“Up to 9am this morning, the highest rainfalls have been recorded in the Wimmera, including 66mm in Nhill and 46mm in Yanac North. From tonight the focus will shift to Gippsland, where the heaviest rainfall is expected,” she said.

Ms Casinader said a severe weather warning for Gippsland has been issued today, as well as flood watches for a number of catchments in the state.

“As the situation is rapidly evolving, we encourage members of the public to check the Bureau’s website, and tune into television and radio for the latest warnings.

“East Coast Lows are more common during autumn and winter, affecting southern Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian coastal regions often bringing persistent rainfall and flooding,” Ms Casinader said.

Victoria SES State Commander Tim Wiebusch is urging Victorians to take simple precautions and monitor the situation closely.

“In the meantime, there are simple precautions the community can take to defend against damage or injury should the worst happen. Flash flooding can happen without warning and become dangerous very quickly, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time and have a plan.

“Motorists are advised to drive to conditions during heavy rainfall and to never drive through floodwater,” he said.