In recent severe weather in Melbourne, two men were rescued from their cars due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. One man was stuck in his car and had to be rescued by swift water rescue operators while another man’s car failed to start in knee-deep water, requiring assistance from the SES. The city saw over 53 millimetres of rain in a 24-hour period, exceeding the average total rainfall for the entire month of April. Ferny Creek in the Dandenong Ranges recorded the highest total rainfall in Victoria with 83 millimetres.
A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds in parts of central and eastern Victoria was cancelled by midmorning on Tuesday, but not before causing road closures and traffic delays in Melbourne. Roads in Upper Ferntree Gully, Dandenong South, Footscray, and Preston were temporarily closed or affected by flooding or collisions. The AFL match between Geelong and Hawthorn was briefly halted on Easter Monday due to lightning striking close to the MCG, and staff at Melbourne Airport were forced to move to a safe area twice due to lightning strikes.
The heavy rainfall also broke several long-standing daily rainfall records across the state, with Mornington recording the highest daily April rainfall in 157 years and Wonthaggi breaking a record set 114 years ago. Showers are forecast for Melbourne with a maximum temperature of 17 degrees expected on Wednesday, with a high chance of light showers in the morning and afternoon. The rain and flooding caused by the severe weather event highlighted the need for caution on the roads and the importance of emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions.
The swift response of emergency services such as the SES and FRV in rescuing individuals trapped in their vehicles demonstrated the dedication and effectiveness of first responders in challenging situations. The cancellation of the severe weather warning and the gradual return to normal conditions in Melbourne signaled the end of the immediate threat posed by the heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Despite the impact of the storm on daily life and transportation in the city, residents and authorities worked together to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the inclement weather. The resilience and resourcefulness of the community in the face of natural disasters are essential in mitigating the impact of such events and in promoting a sense of unity and solidarity among residents.
