A WATCH and Act has been issued for Hedley, Welshpool, Toora and Port Franklin with the South Gippsland Highway closed due to flooding already between Toora and Hedley.
Flash flooding is also impacting roads and properties around the area with some homes and building already flooded and/or isolated according to an alert by State Emergency Services.
Residents and visitors are being urged to use extreme caution with other local roads and bridges having the potential to become flooded, if not already flooded.
High tide is also affecting floodwaters with levels likely to remain elevated until the tide drops.
Rain is expected to continue throughout the day with people in affected areas being told to stay safe by avoiding floodwater and low-lying areas.
Remember floodwaters can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast, with rainfall also increasing the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
If you are located in Hedley, Welshpool, Toora, Port Franklin, you are in danger. You should immediately move indoors, away from floodwater. Do not enter floodwater.
What you should do:
- Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.
If you are inside:
- Stay inside and be aware of rising floodwater.
- If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher point such as a kitchen bench or second storey.
- Follow your emergency plan, if you have one.
- Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
If you are outside:
- You should stay away from trees, drains, low lying areas, creeks, canals, culverts and floodwater.
- You should seek shelter indoors, away from floodwater.
If you are driving:
- Do not drive through floodwater.
- Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
- Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low lying areas and floodwater.
Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings from various sources, including but not limited to www.emergency.vic.gov.au, VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226 and VicEmergency app.
Call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency. For emergency assistance from the SES, call 132 500.
