What caused the flooding on Victoria's southwest coast?

Severe thunderstorms dumped over 170mm of rain on the area, causing flash flooding.

Which roads were affected by the Victorian storms?

The scenic Great Ocean Road was closed in both directions due to flash flooding.

Where did the Wye River overflow?

The Wye River overflowed in the Lorne area on Victoria's southwest coast.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wye River Floods: Cars Washed Away, Roads Closed

Wye River Floods: Cars Washed Away, Roads Closed

15 Jan

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Summary

Severe thunderstorms caused flash floods in Victoria's southwest coast.
The Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers saw emergency warnings issued.
A major scenic tourism road was closed due to the flooding.

Wye River Floods: Cars Washed Away, Roads Closed

Severe thunderstorms recently battered Victoria's southwest coast, leading to significant flash flooding and emergency warnings for the Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers. Over 170mm of rain inundated the Lorne area on Thursday afternoon, overwhelming waterways and causing hazardous conditions. One dramatic video showed a vehicle being swept away by the raging Wye River, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The torrential downpour necessitated the closure of the scenic Great Ocean Road in both directions, restricting access to emergency services only. Local businesses, like the Foodworks grocery store in Lorne, were forced to close due to rising floodwaters, with authorities urging people to avoid the affected area. The Bureau of Meteorology had issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier in the day, predicting heavy rainfall and flash flooding.