Australia: Flooding and evacuations ongoing across parts of southeastern regions as of Oct. 15 /update 5

Event

Flooding and evacuations are ongoing across parts of southeastern Australia as of Oct. 15 following heavy rainfall since Oct. 13. Recovery efforts are underway. Flood warnings are in place for large parts of Victoria State, southern New South Wales, and the northern regions of Tasmania. As of Oct. 15, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has rescinded all severe weather warnings and is maintaining the following flood watches and warnings:

• Major Flood Warning: Avoca, Broken, Campaspe, Castle, Goulburn, King, Loddon, Ovens, Seven, and Wimmera rivers in Victoria; and Macquarie and Meander rivers in Tasmania

• Minor to Major Flood Warning: Barwon and Darling rivers in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (ACT); Murray and Edward rivers in Victoria.

• Minor to Moderate Flood Warning: Namoi, Bogan, Bokhara, Culgoa, Edward, Lachlan, Macquarie, Murrumbidgee, and Murray rivers in New South Wales and ACT.

• Moderate Flood Warning: Bulloo and Paroo rivers in Queensland; Barwon, Hopkins, and Yarra rivers and Mount Emu Creek in Victoria; and South Esk River in Tasmania.

• Minor Flood Warning: Belubula and Paroo rivers and Mirrol Creek in New South Wales and ACT; Bokhara, Condamine, and lower Warrego rivers in Queensland; Bunyip, Kiewa, Latrobe, Mitchell, and Werribee rivers in Victoria; and Mersey and North Esk rivers in Tasmania.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Intermittent showers are forecast through at least Oct. 15.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders to thousands of people in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania due to flash flooding. While floodwaters have receded in some parts, the BOM stated that major flooding is likely at Shepparton in Victoria State. Officials have advised residents in northern Victoria to prepare for evacuations as floodwaters begin to move downstream. Heavy flooding has displaced at least 1,500 people and caused power outages in approximately 4,700 homes in Victoria.

Hazardous Conditions
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 located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Transport
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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.

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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Allow extra time for travel in the affected area and plan alternative routes if necessary. Do not drive on flooded roads.

Resources

Australian Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales State Emergency Service
Emergency Management Victoria
Tasmania Emergency Warnings