Australia: Flood-related disruptions likely to continue across parts of central Victoria through at least Jan. 8

Authorities have issued weather advisories warning of increased flood risk for parts of Victoria through Jan. 8. Victoria's emergency portal has issued orange flood warnings (the middle-level on a three-tier scale) in Whitfield and warned residents of East Bendigo to remain indoors and not to cross flooded areas. Most of Victoria State is under a yellow (lower alerting level) warning for severe weather. As of late Jan. 7, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is maintaining the following flood warnings across the affected area:

• Flood Watch: Gippsland, Central and Northern Victoria

• Initial Moderate Flood Warning: King River and Fifteen Mile Creek

• Initial Minor Flood Warning: Broken River

• Minor Flood Warning: Avoca River

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.