Family rescued from floodwaters as record rainfall hits Melbourne

Two cars were trapped beneath the York Street bridge in South Melbourne, with emergency services arriving about 3.20pm. Police rescued the occupants of both vehicles, including a couple and their two children. Paramedics reported no injuries. Nearby, a truck and a van became stuck in floodwaters at a canal in Elwood.

Several areas across Melbourne recorded about 35 millimetres of rain on Thursday, with the city experiencing nearly half of its average October rainfall in a single day. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Daniel Hayes said light rain and heavier showers would continue overnight and into Friday morning. "More rain, showers and storms are expected tomorrow and into Saturday," Hayes said.

The SES has warned residents across 18 river catchments in north-east Victoria, Gippsland and central Victoria to prepare for minor to moderate flooding from Friday and into the weekend. "Given the forecast for persistent rain, community members are urged not to drive in these conditions and never enter floodwater," an SES spokesperson said. The SES had received more than 120 calls for help on Thursday afternoon, predominantly from Malvern and Port Phillip.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The rescue of a family highlights the immediate danger posed by flash flooding, particularly when drivers attempt to cross submerged roads.
The record rainfall underscores the intensity of this early spring weather event and raises concerns about infrastructure readiness.
Continued rain through the weekend increases the risk of property damage and disruption to communities across several river catchments.

Background

Melbourne can experience flash flooding when heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems, but the volume recorded on Thursday is unusual for early October. The city received nearly half its average monthly rainfall in a single day, with more rain forecast. The SES has pre-positioned warnings for 18 river catchments, indicating a broad area at risk of minor to moderate flooding.

Key Perspectives

[SES]: Urging the public never to drive into floodwater and warning of further flooding across multiple catchments. The agency has received a high volume of calls for help and is preparing for an extended response. [Bureau of Meteorology]: Forecasting continued rain, showers and storms through Friday and Saturday. The BOM noted that rainfall totals would likely increase before the official 9am Friday measurement. [Affected communities]: Residents in low-lying areas and near river catchments face potential flooding from Friday onward. The incidents in South Melbourne and Elwood show that even urban areas are vulnerable.

What to Watch

Rainfall totals over the next 48 hours, particularly across north-east Victoria, Gippsland and central Victoria.
River level monitoring in the 18 catchments under SES warning.
Further SES updates as the flood risk evolves through the weekend.

ZOTPAPER