Flood Watch Issued for Central, North West, and South West Victoria
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for multiple catchments across Victoria and South Australia as a slow-moving trough brings heavy rainfall and potential moderate flooding.
Alert Details
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (Number 3) for parts of Central, North West, and South West Victoria. This alert indicates that minor to moderate flooding, as well as areas of localised flooding, are possible within the specified catchments starting Monday.
Affected Areas
The watch covers a broad geographic range including:
- Victoria: Bunyip River and Dandenong Creek, Yarra River (to and downstream of Coldstream), Maribyrnong River, Werribee River, Hopkins River, Portland Coast, Glenelg River, Campaspe River, Loddon River, Avoca River, Mallee, and the Wimmera River.
- South Australia: Limestone and Millicent Coast Rivers and Creeks.
- Border Regions: Murray River downstream of Tocumwal (localised flooding only).
What You Should Do
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following safety precautions:
- Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
- Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
- Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded roads.
- Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
- For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
Expected Conditions
A slow-moving low-pressure trough is entering Victoria, bringing widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and embedded thunderstorms. While catchments are currently relatively dry, significant accumulated rainfall totals are expected. River and creek level rises are anticipated, with riverine flooding most likely in the Avoca and Avon-Richardson catchments. Localised flooding and overland inundation are also possible.
Timeline
The alert was issued at 12:35 pm AEDT on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Flooding conditions are expected to develop from Monday morning as the trough slowly crosses western and central Victoria. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEDT on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Source: BOM Official Notice