AFTER a storm approaching from the north hit the region the night of Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the weather persisted, with said rainfall, hail, thunder, and lightning.
Flood warnings were issued for the Goulburn River on Wednesday morning, after rainfall up to 30mm was recorded.
Northeast Victorian River catchments have already been filled and flowing, thanks to a particularly wet winter. Additional rain forecast added additional worries of flash flooding.
The rainfall has exposed many areas around the city where the local drainage system is not keeping pace with the deluge.
For the days following, the wet weather hung around blanketing the usually blue-and-sunny-skied region in grey clouds.
There were even reports of lightening having struck a house in Tatura.
Like the earthquake a week before, dangerous weather and emergencies can happen when least expected.
Victoria SES regional agency commander for the Northeast region, Sue Sheldrick, said, “SES volunteers respond to tens of thousands of calls for help due to storms every year, many of these are from people whose ceilings and walls are flooded with water due to blocked and overwhelmed rain gutters, drains and downpipes. Taking care to check and clean your gutters, drains and downpipes before heavy rainfall can avoid frightening, dangerous and expensive damage to your home.”
It is difficult to forecast exactly where a storm will affect an area, and what sort of damage will occur. Early preparation is the best defence against storms.
Find out what else you can do to be ready for floods and storms at www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe
