Storm Hits Great Ocean Road, Sweeping Cars into Sea: Emergency Alert
An emergency alert has been issued for communities along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road due to severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall. The intense weather conditions have led to reports of vehicles being swept into the sea, prompting officials to warn residents to seek shelter immediately.
Impact of the Storm
Towns affected by this weather event include Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, and Lorne. Local gauges in the Mr. Cowley area, located west of Lorne, recorded an alarming 166 millimeters of rain since 9 am.
- Date of Incident: Recent storms
- Rainfall Recorded: 166 mm in Mr. Cowley
- Communities Affected: Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne
Local Residents’ Experiences
Social media footage shows the extent of the flooding, with cars being carried away by floodwaters. Local residents, Peter and Bronwyn Jacobs, have lived at Separation Creek for over 70 years. They described the flooding as the most severe they have ever witnessed.
Ms. Jacobs recounted the intense scene: “We had water flowing through our five-acre property. A massive wall of water filled with debris surged towards us.” The couple was forced to evacuate their home for safety.
Property Damage
The deluge caused significant damage, destroying two concrete bridges on their property and a chicken house. This left the Jacobs isolated, unable to access nearby areas.
Traffic and Road Closures
Due to the extreme weather conditions, the Great Ocean Road has been closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Wye River. Additionally, a caravan park in Wye River suffered severe inundation on Thursday.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as more rain is forecasted. This storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events.
