The Shepparton Search and Rescue squad announced on its Facebook page on Saturday night that it would open its facility at 15 Dudley St, Shepparton, for two hours on Sunday from 10am to noon, for anyone who wanted to collect sandbags.
The announcement came after VicEmergency announced a severe weather warning for heavy, intense rainfall developing across the Northern Country ‒ including Shepparton ‒ on Sunday night,
VicEmergency said shower and thunderstorms will increase across Victoria during Sunday as a low pressure system develops across the north of the state.
Heavy to intense rainfall will develop during Sunday night as this low becomes slow moving in a very moist environment.
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for parts of the Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland districts.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the state during Sunday afternoon and focus across this region Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 70mm are likely.
VicEmergency said locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 100mm.
Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Echuca, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Bright and Falls Creek.
Flood watches were issued on Friday for the Seven Creeks, Broken River, Broken Creek and Goulburn River downstream of Seymour.
The Victoria State Emergency Service advises:
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.
- Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines ‒ always assume they are live.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
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