Australia: Severe weather forecast over Victoria and Tasmania through at least early April 2

Severe weather is forecast across Victoria and Tasmania through at least early April 2. As of April 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued the following warnings:

• Severe weather warning for heavy rainfall: Parts of South West and Wimmera forecast districts in Victoria; the thunderstorms and rain are forecast to gradually shift east. Central North and parts of Western, North West Coast, and forecast districts in Tasmania; six-hourly rainfall totals of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) are possible.

• Severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds: Central, North Central, and parts of South West, Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland, Wimmera, East Gippsland, and Mallee forecast districts in Victoria; six-hourly rainfall totals of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) and damaging winds with gusts of up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible.

• Road weather alerts: All suburbs of Melbourne in Victoria through early April 2 and parts of the North West Coast and Central North forecast districts in Tasmania the evening of April 1, before extending over all Tasmanian forecast districts early April 2.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

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 employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.