WIDESPREAD flooding was impacting the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires across the weekend and Monday, with numerous roads and highways blocked.
On Monday, the Lang Lang River burst its banks onto the South Gippsland Highway, Walters Road in Nyora flooded, Inverloch-Kongwak Road was underwater and it was a slow drive on the Strzelecki Highway just out of Leongatha.
And this is just the start of what promises to be a wet week on the roads across Gippsland as inland flooding moves to coastal regions, and a deep low-pressure system off the north-coast of Tasmania directs a moist west to south-westerly airstream across Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) forecast predicts a wet week ahead with above 90 per cent chance of rain both today (Tuesday) and Thursday, with a 50 per cent chance of showers on Wednesday.
Boolarra South recorded over 100mm of rain in the 24 hours preceding 9am Monday, one of the highest in the state, as the BOM issued a major flood warning for Latrobe River, and minor flood warnings for the Kiewa River, Traralgon Creek and Bunyip River.
South Gippsland Shire advised on Monday that a number of roads were closed due to water over the road including Armstrongs Road, Meeniyan – between property numbers #99 and #150, Beilbys Road, Nerrena – 500m in from the South Gippsland Highway, Carmodys Road, Leongatha – 1km in from the South Gippsland Highway and Nippards Track, Woorarra West – due to a landslip.
Heslop Road in Wonthaggi North and McCraws Road at Wattlebank, were also closed as of Monday.
Powlett River (Kugerungmome), subsequent tributaries, and nearby roads will also see an inundation of water in the coming days as the deluge flows through to the ocean.
With edges flooded and standing water on roads and highways across Gippsland, emergency services have urged all motorists to drive to the conditions, use extreme caution and slow down.
“We’ve had emergency requests for assistance across the South Gippsland area, predominately to do with flooding and water entering premises, and a number of roads that have been impacted by the rain,” Matt Saario, Leongatha SES Unit Controller said.
“The Leongatha SES Unit sent crews to assist our neighbouring units – Inverloch and Warragul, both Sunday afternoon and evening where they had a large number of requests coming in.”
Two crews of four assisted the community on Sunday, with an additional crew of four out and about on Monday from Leongatha alone.
“Never drive, walk or ride through flood water. The water could be deeper than expected and the road surface may be damaged underneath.”
Motorists are encouraged to avoid travel in affected areas due to changing conditions.
The dangerous and wet conditions continue to highlight the hazards motorists face on roads across Bass Coast and South Gippsland, with deep ruts, potholes and breaking edges only likely to be exacerbated as flood waters clear.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
If you need emergency assistance call SES on 132 500.
SES units across Bass Coast and South Gippsland continue to welcome new members for more details visit your local units Facebook page or ses.vic.gov.au.
