Final Flood Watch Issued for Central, North West, and South West Victoria

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a final Flood Watch (IDV35010) for parts of Central, North West, and South West Victoria. This notice serves as the final update for this weather event as widespread riverine flooding is no longer anticipated.

Affected Areas

While the threat of widespread flooding has diminished, the watch previously covered a broad range of catchments including:

• Central Victoria: Maribyrnong River, Werribee River, Yarra River (to and downstream of Coldstream), Bunyip River, and Dandenong Creek.
• South West Victoria: Hopkins River, Portland Coast, Glenelg River, and the Limestone and Millicent Coast Rivers and Creeks.
• North West Victoria: Mallee, Wimmera River, and the Murray River downstream of Tocumwal.

Note: Flood warnings remain current for the Avoca and Richardson catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow these safety guidelines:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A weather trough is slowly crossing Victoria, bringing moderate to locally heavy rainfall. While the trough is forecast to weaken as it moves into eastern Victoria on Tuesday, some moderate falls remain possible in the far northeast. Although widespread riverine flooding is no longer expected, localized flash flooding may still occur in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall remains in effect for parts of the state.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:50 pm AEDT on Monday, March 2, 2026. As this is a final Flood Watch, no further watches are expected to be issued for this specific weather event.