Flood Watch Issued for North West and South West Victoria and Border Regions

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an initial Flood Watch (IDV35010) for parts of North West and South West Victoria. This alert serves as early advice for possible minor flooding and localized inundation within specified catchments due to an approaching weather system.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected by rising water levels:

• Victoria: Hopkins River, Portland Coast, Glenelg River, Avoca River, Mallee, and Wimmera River.
• South Australia: Limestone and Millicent Coast Rivers and Creeks.
• New South Wales/Victoria Border: Murray River downstream of Tocumwal (localised flooding only).

What You Should Do

Residents in the watch area are advised to take the following precautions:

• 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.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving low-pressure trough is forecast to approach the western border on Sunday. This system is expected to bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall with embedded thunderstorms. While catchments are currently relatively dry, the accumulated rainfall totals may be significant enough to cause river and creek level rises. Localised flooding and overland inundation are possible where the heaviest falls occur.

Timeline

The Flood Watch is effective immediately following its issue on Friday afternoon. The primary threat window for minor flooding and localized inundation begins overnight Sunday and continues into Monday as the trough crosses western and central Victoria. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled for 1:00 PM AEDT on Saturday, 28 February 2026.