Flash flooding is a possibility as heavy rainfall hits various communities in Victoria, Australia. The warning zone includes Bendigo, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, and Melbourne, spanning from Stawell in the west to Falls Creek in the east. The weather bureau predicts six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 50 millimeters, with isolated falls of up to 70 millimeters. Peak wind gusts of about 90km/h are expected in the central and northeastern ranges. The smoke haze that had covered Melbourne over the Easter weekend is anticipated to clear as a cold front moves through the city.
In Colac, steady rain has already fallen, with more expected in the region. Traffic was heavy on Monday as holidaymakers rushed back to Melbourne to avoid the downpour. This wet weather is welcomed by those in the agriculture sector, such as weed control workers like Jason Schram. He mentioned the desperation for rain among beef and dairy farmers, highlighting the importance of this weather event for local farms. In coastal areas like Apollo Bay, intermittent bursts of heavy rain have been reported but have not yet caused inundation.
At Little Red Duck Cafe in Noojee, West Gippsland, heavy rain began falling in the afternoon, ending a prolonged period of dry weather. Water tanks had been almost empty, so the rain was a relief for the area. While trade might be slow at the cafe due to the weather, the excitement of the rainfall outweighed any potential business losses. Petschack, the cafe manager, was thrilled to hear that rain was on the way after a long dry spell. She mentioned that the week following Easter is typically quiet for business, so the impact of the rain on trade would likely be minimal.
Overall, the heavy rainfall in Victoria brings about concerns of flash flooding and wind gusts, but it is also a welcome relief for many communities in the region. The anticipation of rain has been met with both excitement and caution, as residents brace for potential flood risks and traffic disruptions. The agriculture sector is particularly pleased with the wet weather after a period of dry conditions, as it will benefit local farms greatly. While the rain may bring about some challenges, such as slower business at cafes and increased traffic, the long-term benefits are seen as more significant for the region.
