Residents in Victoria and Queensland are on high alert amid a series of weather warnings ranging from dangerous flash flooding to potential cyclones.
The Bureau of Meteorology announced Victorian residents in the East Gippsland area are expected to cop a rain bomb of up to 120mm as a low pressure system in the Tasman Sea creeps southwest.
Authorities on Sunday warned residents to “take shelter” and brace for flash flooding, as well as damaging winds of up to 100km an hour.
The Victorian State Emergency Service urged Bemm River residents to activate their flood plan as waters continue to rise and remain wary of landslides and damaged roads.
The bureau has also issued a moderate flood warning for the Genoa River and Cann River.
Cann River resident and local motel manager Jenny Dewacht told reporters xjmtzywthe river “was chockers” on Sunday morning.
“I crossed it to get to work this morning and I’ve never seen it so high,” she said.
“The lights have also been flickering, so we might lose power at some point – I’ve not experienced a flood so don’t really know what will happen,”
People in affected areas have been advised not to swim, with waves expected to exceed five metres.
Unlike parts of NSW and southeast Queensland, Victoria has avoided major flooding in recent months during the active La Nina weather pattern.
Queensland residents meanwhile have been warned of a potential cyclone likely to form over half of the state this week.
The weather system, forming over the Coral Sea this week, is expected to bring large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall to the state’s central and southern inland areas.
Bureau of Meteorology thunderstorm activity will peak overnight with sunnier weather expected on Monday and Tuesday across the state.
