VIC Emergency has issued a moderate flood warning to the Mansfield Shire region, cautioning residents to avoid flooded areas and remain alert.
Heavy rain swept the High Country last night, just days after experts warned communities to prepare for a hot bushfire-risk summer.
In the 24 hours to 5 am Wednesday October 4, rainfall totals up to 140 mm have been observed across the Goulburn River catchment.
Additional rainfall is expected over the next few days, with forecasts predicting rainfall totals of 20-50 mm possible.
Vic Emergency said they are monitoring the situation closely and will revise predictions as required.
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Sand bags are available for pick up from the Mansfield SES unit at their station on the Maroondah Highway.
VicRoads has reported the following road closures within the Mansfield Shire:
- Mansfield-Woods Point Road between Pollards Road and Piries-Goughs Bay Road.
- High Street between Chenery Street and Mt Battery Road.
- Jamieson-Licola Road between Mt Sunday Road and McMillan Spur Track.
There is also a speed reduction to 40 km/h on the Maroondah Highway between Kidston Parade and Pikes Road.
Beyond the Mansfield Shire, there are closures on the Maroondah Highway between Cathkin and Molesworth.
Diversions are in place.
For up-to-the-minute updates on road closures and interruptions, please visit www.traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au .
Euroa, Strathbogie and Marysville have also been issued with moderate flood warnings.
Vic Emergency has reminded residents to never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
As the morning progresses and the weather blows towards the south west, heavy rain has continued to fall.
As of this afternoon at 1pm, power has been cut off in Kevington, Macs Cove, Howqua Inlet, Piries, Howqua, Gaffneys Creek, Woods Point and Jamieson according to AusNet’s outage tracker.
Power is expected to be restored at 7pm as crews work to find the fault and fix it.
VicRoads has not reported any more major road closures in the shire but is still warning drivers to travel with caution and avoid floodwaters.
The Bureau of Meteorology is still reporting moderate flooding for the Delatite River at the Tonga Bridge, with elevated river levels on all creeks and streams in the region.
Mansfield Shire Council has closed the following roads:
- Greenvale Lane
- Graves Road
- Ogilvies Road
The below roads are currently marked "water over road" however it is expected some of these will upgrade to road closed based on the weather forecasted.
- Hearns Lane
- Goughs Bay Road
- Withers Lane
- Old Tolmie Road
- Malcolm Street
Mayor Cr James Tehan reminded those travelling to remain alert and never drive through flood waters.
“Council will continue to post updates on the conditions across the Shire via our Facebook page," he said.
"Please obey road signage and drive to the conditions.”
Footage of a floodwater rescue from last night has also been released, with police reminding people to take care.
Alexandra Police were called to reports of a man who needed assistance in floodwaters in Alexandra on Tuesday,October 3.
It is believed the man was on a tractor attempting to rescue cattle around 8:35pm when he got into difficulty and was surrounded by water.
Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad – Swift Water Rescue Team were able to successfully rescue the man.
The 43-year-old Alexandra man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As the day draws to a close and the floodwaters begin receding, the full impact of the wet weather is starting to be felt.
All roads listed above continue to be closed, with VicRoads confirming the Mansfield-Woods Point Road at Kevington is also closed near Flourbag Track due to large fallen trees.
Creeks and rivers have begun to recede as they flow into Lake Eildon, with the Delatite River at Tonga Bridge reaching a peak of 4.49 metres at 1pm today and still at a minor flood level as of 4:30pm this afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that the vast majority of rainfall has cleared, with an 80 per cent chance of up to 3mm to falling tomorrow.
Power outages will be reconnected by 8pm as per AusNet's outage tracker, with the communities of Gaffneys Creek, Kevington, Piries, Macs Cove, Jamieson, Howqua, Howqua Inlet and Woods Point still without.
Those looking for a warm drink and to charge their devices are encouraged to visit the Jamieson Community Hall which has been opened to the public.
Mansfield Shire is still on a "Watch and Act" alert through Vic Emergency and residents and visitors have been asked to be on alert as flood-related risks are still high.
A full report will be in next week's Courier.
