Severe thunderstorms swept across large parts of Victoria on Tuesday, with authorities warning residents in Melbourne and surrounding communities to prepare for dangerous flash flooding as heavy rainfall continued to intensify through the afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings of "very dangerous thunderstorms" expected to reach Melbourne by 3pm, with rainfall totals of between 40 and 70 millimetres forecast across the state. The system was tracking southeast, with suburbs including Glen Waverley, Ringwood, Lilydale, Dandenong, Belgrave and Berwick all expected to be affected by late afternoon.
Northern and central Victoria were also in the path of the system, with communities across the region urged to remain on high alert. The Victoria State Emergency Service deployed personnel ahead of the peak danger period, with crews already responding to incidents including a flooded underpass in South Melbourne.
SES spokesperson Josh Gamble told AAP that flash flooding posed a particularly acute risk to motorists and low-lying communities. "Flash flooding happens fast. Roads can become very dangerous very quickly. It's deeper than it looks," he said. Gamble specifically called on residents near creeks and in known flood-prone areas around Melbourne to remain vigilant in the coming hours.
The SES advised motorists to avoid travel where possible and, if commuting was unavoidable, to steer clear of floodwater, mud and debris. Residents were also urged to secure loose items such as umbrellas and trampolines, and to move vehicles away from trees before the worst of the weather arrived.
Flash flooding is one of the most dangerous and least predictable consequences of intense storm events. Unlike riverine flooding, which can take hours or days to develop, flash floods can overwhelm drainage systems within minutes of heavy rainfall beginning, leaving little time for residents to respond.
The Bureau of Meteorology remains the authoritative source for real-time updates as the system moves across the state. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor official warnings closely and follow any directions from emergency services.