Victoria experiences record rainfall and flooding

Record-breaking spring rainfall has caused widespread flooding and dangerous conditions across Victoria, Australia. The Mount Cowley weather station recorded 192 millimetres of rain over a 72-hour period, the highest in the state. Other significant totals included 185 millimetres at Cowwarr Weir and 182 millimetres in Briagolong, which set an October record for the town.

VicEmergency issued warnings for residents, stating it was “dangerous” to walk or drive through floodwaters near the Thompson River at Wandocka in Gippsland. The region remained under a watch-and-act level due to the potential for major flooding. Meteorologists attributed the heavy downpours to a low-pressure system carrying tropical moisture wrapped in a southerly air flow.

In addition to Gippsland, areas such as Lakes Entrance, Horsham, and Mt Baw Baw exceeded their highest single-day October rainfall totals. While the heavy rain caused riverbanks to swell and led to flash flooding on roads, forecasts suggest a period of relatively dry conditions following the event.