Parts of Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road have been forced to close after a severe thunderstorm triggered dangerous flash flooding and caused the Wye River to burst its banks, with dramatic footage showing vehicles being washed out to sea.
Emergency Warnings Issued for Southwest Coast
An urgent emergency warning was activated on Thursday afternoon for the Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers in the Lorne area following intense thunderstorms. More than 170mm of torrential rain was dumped on the region in a short period, leading to rapid and dangerous rises in water levels.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning at midday, alerting residents that heavy rainfall would likely cause flash flooding within hours. Observations confirmed the severity of the deluge, with over 175mm of rainfall recorded in just six hours until 3pm at nearby Mount Crowley.
Road Closures and Community Impact
The Great Ocean Road was closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Hird Street in Lorne, with access restricted strictly to emergency services. The closure of this major scenic tourism route has caused significant disruption.
Local businesses were also severely affected. The Lorne Foodworks grocery store had to shut its doors until further notice due to flash flooding entering the premises, urging the public to avoid the area entirely for their own safety.
Cars Swept Away and Shelter Offered
In a stark illustration of the flooding's power, social media video captured a four-wheel-drive vehicle being taken by a raging current as onlookers watched from higher ground. Authorities had urged people to seek shelter immediately as conditions deteriorated.
In response to the crisis, the Lorne Community House opened its doors to provide shelter for anyone needing to escape the dangerous weather conditions. The community rallied as the emergency unfolded along the southwest coast of Victoria.
The situation serves as a potent reminder of the sudden and devastating impact of severe weather events, particularly in coastal and riverine areas popular with tourists and residents alike.
