Flood Alert Australia: Victoria and Melbourne at Risk Due to Rain Forecast Today

It's just like the scientists predicted. Melbourne and some areas of Victoria may be at risk of flash floods today as rain forecast is expected to be not lower than 100mm of rainwater.

The most likely to be hit the hardest are parts of Otways and Gippsland. Senior forecaster at Bureau of Meteorology, Dean Water, reports that the rainshowers from last week left some metropolitan catchments areas saturated. Intense rain in these areas could result in flash floods.

Water explained last Friday's 100mm rainfall could increase the risk of floods today. The weather bureau warned residents yesterday of possible flash floods due to heavy rain in the East, South and West Gippsland.

Melbourne was not spared from flood warning as the Bureau of Meteorology alerted residents of possible overflow of catchments in Yarra, Werribee, Maribyrnong, Bunyip and Dandenong. Flood alerts were also given to those in the Goulburn Basin and Otway Ranges.

Since 9am yesterday, Melbourne has 9mm rainfall and is expected to get around 20-40mm of rain from the low pressure system. The past 24 hours brought Otway Ranges significant rainfall with Mount Sabine receiving 111mm and Point Hicks with 103mm rainfall.

The next 24 hours would be crucial for Gippsland as intense rain is expected. Winds would carry the rainclouds slowly east on Friday or Saturday.

Lachlan Quick, State Emergency Service (SES) representative, says the focus of the agency will be on the regional areas since the bulk of predicted flashfloods will be happening in Gippsland.

Parks Victoria has already issued warnings to travelers planning to visit Otways and Gippsland. Tracks and roads may be become slippery due to intense rain. Some recreation parks will be closed for the day due to the risk of falling trees and other debris. Scientists from the University of Tokyo earlier predicted that Australians should brace for more floods coming their way.