Flash Flooding in Regional Victoria: A Looming Threat
March 2, 2026
In a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, residents in Victoria's north are being urged to take immediate action as flash flooding and intense rainfall pose a grave risk to their lives. The region has been battered by an unprecedented deluge, leaving communities vulnerable and in urgent need of preparedness.
The severe weather warning covers a vast area of Victoria's north, with Mildura at the epicenter of this natural disaster. Since Saturday, the city has experienced an astonishing 66mm of rainfall, followed by an additional 83mm on Sunday morning, resulting in catastrophic flash flooding. Homes have been inundated, and the State Emergency Service has been inundated with calls for help.
Between midday Sunday and 7am Monday, the service received over 110 calls in Mildura alone, with 96 of those specifically related to flooding. The impact was not limited to Mildura; across the rest of the state, an additional 160 calls were made, highlighting the widespread devastation caused by the torrential rains.
The deluge continued into Monday, with up to 80mm of rain falling over other parts of northern and western Victoria between 9am Sunday and 7am Monday. Tutye, west of Walpeup in the Mallee region, recorded an astonishing 91mm of rain since Sunday morning, while Kerang reported 80mm. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a stark warning, predicting further six-hourly totals of up to 100mm in certain parts of the state, which could lead to "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding".
As the rain continued to pour, meteorologist Dean Narramore shared insights with The Age, revealing that the rainfall would persist through central Victoria, then shift to northern Victoria in the coming hours, and eventually move to northeastern Victoria in the afternoon. By tonight, much of the state would be cleared of the rain, but the danger was far from over.
Narramore also noted that Melbourne's humidity would clear out from late Monday into Tuesday, offering a brief respite from the relentless downpour. However, the severe weather warning remained in effect across parts of the central, north-central, northeast, and Wimmera districts, along with the Northern Country and Mallee regions.
On Monday morning, residents in Mildura, Swan Hill, Bendigo, and Hopetoun and their surroundings were advised to prepare for shelter, anticipating thunderstorms and possible six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 100mm. Lingering showers and storms were predicted to persist over far-eastern Victoria on Tuesday, before the sun finally returned to much of the state on Wednesday and into the long weekend, according to Narramore.
While the state's south was spared from the heavy rain, recording falls of between five and 10mm, including in metropolitan Melbourne, the north continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating floods. As the region struggles to recover, the importance of preparedness and resilience cannot be overstated. The breaking news alert will keep you informed of any significant updates as they unfold, ensuring you stay informed and safe during this challenging time.
