In less than 24 hours after bushfires forced residents in parts of Australia’s Victoria state to evacuate, heavy rain is now causing flash floods and river swellings in the region.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology predicts ongoing flash flooding in northeastern Victoria, with some areas receiving up to 150mm of rain—eight times the usual September average.
This unusual rainfall follows an exceptionally dry Australian spring, marked by last month’s record-low rainfall of 71% below the 1961-1990 average.
Although firefighters continue to battle bushfires in two areas of Victoria, there is currently no immediate threat to residents.
The bushfire, spanning over 5,100 hectares, remains a threat to homes in the Cuttagee, Barragga Bay, Murrah, Bunga, and Goalen Head areas, the NSW Rural Fire Service has cautioned.
Across the border in NSW state, a 5200-hectare bush fire was out of control near the town of Bermagui. “I just feel anxious and a bit on edge because we don’t really know yet what’s next,” a local resident Sheena Boughen told Australian state broadcaster ABC.
Challenging weather conditions
Despite challenging weather conditions that pose an increased risk of falling trees and active fire pockets, conditions have improved overnight with cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and some rainfall.
Firefighters are actively engaged in slowing the fire’s spread and establishing containment lines, with evacuation centers available for residents choosing to leave their homes.
In eastern Victoria, the state’s second most populous region, approximately 17,000 hectares are engulfed in flames. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports multiple fires at Emergency Warning level in Gippsland and Flinders Island, leading to evacuation orders in some locations.
However, in a surprising turn of events, less than 24 hours after devastating fires ravaged the area, emergency services issued flood warnings in response to a powerful cold front and heavy rain.
Rain comes as relief but there is threat of flooding
While the rain and lower temperatures offer hope of extinguishing some fires, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology cautioned about the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and damaging winds in central and eastern parts of the state.
Meteorologist Christie Johnson of the Bureau of Meteorology announced a welcomed cool-down in parts of Gippsland, where temperatures would hover in the low to mid-20s on Tuesday. However, the relief of rain comes with concerns of heavy downpours, particularly in the central and eastern ranges, accompanied by severe weather warnings. Johnson warned of increasing winds, peaking early tomorrow morning and extending into the afternoon, with the possibility of a new weather system developing on Wednesday. This may prompt an extension of the severe weather warning, potentially including flash flooding due to heavy rainfall.
The agency also highlighted a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall in central and eastern Victoria, which could result in significant flooding.