Storm still surging our way

HOMES, schools and businesses have begun sandbagging as the rain continues and the weather bureau predicts a deluge today.

From 8am yesterday, calls for help began to roll in with residents in suburbs including Manifold Heights, Newtown, Lara, Highton, St Leonards and Ocean Grove requesting assistance to prevent potential flooding.

Major businesses including the TAC and VicRoads advised staff to work from home where possible instead of risking the rain.

Drivers struggled on slippery roads with two people lucky to escape injury when their car went off the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd at Barramunga about 12.45pm.

Senior Constable David Ramm, from the Geelong Highway Patrol, said there were also accidents yesterday morning on La Trobe Tce and Ryrie St, and on the Princes Freeway at Avalon. “People are reminded to drive slowly and to the conditions as this rain is expected to carry on all weekend,” he said.

For residents living in floodprone areas, the SES has set up sandbag collection points.

“As part of preparation for the predicted rain event and potential flood emergency, VICSES is supporting the community to prepare by setting up four sandbag collection points in the Geelong region,” an SES spokesman said.

“We are prioritising sandbags for those who live in flood-prone areas and have a previous history of flooding. Properties identified as being outside potential flood areas will be referred to an alternative source of sandbags.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and should more collection points be required, they will be communicated as early as possible.”

Colac Otway Shire has sand and sandbags available to residents at the Lake Cricket Ground.

“If the worst happens this weekend every bit of our prior preparation will ease the load on our emergency services,” a council spokesperson said.

On the Surf Coast, the council will open the mouths of Painkalac Creek and Anglesea River to alleviate the risk of flooding.

Staff said, with heavy rain forecast for the next three days, the decision to open the creeks to the ocean was made in consultation with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

Water levels will continue to be monitored after the opening.

Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said they were advising people to postpone any planned travel to forests and parks across the next three days.

“As water levels rise, some campgrounds and tracks may become inaccessible due to flooding and there is also an increased risk of landslips, falling rocks and falling trees,” Dr Rotarangi said.

The catchments affected by the Flood Watch include the Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool Rivers, Lake Corangamite, Otway Coast and Werribee River.

The RSPCA is warning pet owners to ensure their four legged friends are kept safe during thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Ambulance Victoria is warning people to be careful preparing for the storm after a Corio man was one of 12 people to end up in hospital after falling from a ladder on Thursday.