Issued Today at 5:17 PM.

This Major Flood Warning is being issued for Goulburn River Lake Eildon to Seymour.

IMMINENT MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED AT SEYMOUR, WITH LEVELS SIMILAR TO MAY 1974 FLOOD.

Rapid and significant river level rises are occurring along the Goulburn River and its tributaries in response to widespread heavy rainfall during Wednesday and Thursday. Major flooding is expected at Seymour imminently. Further rises are likely with forecast rainfall during Thursday.

Additional widespread heavy rainfall is forecast for Thursday and into Friday and further river level rises are possible.

Goulburn River Lake Eildon to Seymour:

Major flooding is imminent along the Goulburn River Lake Eildon to Seymour. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

The Goulburn River at Seymour is currently at 6.59 metres and rising, with moderate flooding. The Goulburn River at Seymour is expected to exceed the major flood level (7.00 m) Thursday afternoon. The river level may reach around 7.70 metres Thursday evening. Further rises are possible.

This is an update, replacing the Emergency Warning issued at 2.30pm Thursday 13/10/2022.
Goulburn River Lake Eildon to Seymour could be impacted anytime from Thursday afternoon.

If you are located in low lying areas or close to a waterway you are in danger – act now to protect yourself and move to higher ground.

Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
What you should do:

Floodwater is dangerous – never enter floodwater.
Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
Refer to the Seymour flood guide at ses.vic.gov.au for more information.
If you choose to leave:
Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
Turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace.
Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
A relief centre will be open later this afternoon at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Pollard St. Seymour.
If you are travelling:
Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around and find a safe alternative route.
Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
Lift it – move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.
You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Impacts in your area:
Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur in many locations.
Widespread flooding of the area is likely.
This flood is expected to have levels similar to the May 1974 flood which reached a height of 7.64m. At this height, 187 homes and businesses were affected with flooding above the height of floor level. There were 279 homes and businesses that become isolated by flooding due to roads and property flooding.
At the major flood level (7.0m), Kings Park flooded and Goulburn Valley Highway closed between Seymour Toyota and Redbank Road.
Widespread disruption to traffic is likely to occur.
In 1993, when the river reached a height of 6.65m, at least five houses in Butler and Emily Streets were flooded above the height of floor level. Properties in Edward, Emily, Hanna, Tierney, Alexander, High, Tallarook and Wallace streets also become isolated and surrounding areas were flooded.
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.

The next update is expected by 13/10/2022 10:00 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline – freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfloods)
Tune into ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.