Heavy storms on Thursday unleashed flash flooding across Victoria, forcing the closure of the scenic Great Ocean Road and sweeping vehicles into the sea. Rescue crews assisted people trapped in vehicles and caravan parks while power outages affected roughly 6,500 homes. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain in Mount Cowley since 9 a.m. The flooding follows recent closures of the road due to bushfires amid an intense heatwave.
Flash Floods Batter Victoria: Great Ocean Road Closed, Cars Swept Into Sea and Thousands Lose Power
Cows stand in a field as smoke from the Longwood bushfire rises above the tree tops, as out-of-control fires burn across Victoria, Australia. AAP/Joel Carrett via REUTERS
Sydney — A severe storm produced intense flash flooding across Victoria on Thursday, forcing the iconic Great Ocean Road to close in both directions, sweeping vehicles into the sea and leaving thousands without power.
Authorities issued an emergency warning for towns along the coastal route — a popular tourist drive known for its dramatic scenery — saying the area was facing "very dangerous conditions" caused by a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding. Residents were urged to move indoors and avoid floodwaters.
Local impacts: Local media and emergency services reported cars swept from the shoreline into the ocean and rescue crews assisting people trapped in vehicles and caravan parks after water inundated low-lying areas. The State Emergency Service told ABC Radio Melbourne that crews were working to free and evacuate those affected.
Power and rainfall: About 6,500 homes lost electricity as crews responded to outages and storm damage. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 166 millimetres (6.5 inches) of rain in the Mount Cowley area since 9 a.m., contributing to rapid runoff and dangerous flash flooding.
Context: The floods come days after sections of the Great Ocean Road were closed because of bushfires that ignited amid an intense summer heatwave, underscoring the region's recent extremes of weather.
Emergency Warning: "Very dangerous conditions are being caused by a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding."
Rescue and utility crews remain on scene. Motorists and visitors are advised to avoid the affected coastal areas until authorities declare them safe.
Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry.
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