Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wye River Floods: Cars Washed Away, Roads Closed
Wye River Floods: Cars Washed Away, Roads Closed
15 Jan
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.
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.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Lorne Community House opened its doors to provide shelter for those displaced by the severe weather. The event underscores the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the importance of timely emergency responses and community support during such crises.
