02/10/2026
A severe weather warning has been issued for heavy rainfall over parts of Gippsland, including Wellington Shire.
Please read the warning detail below. This is also associated with damaging winds and potential thunderstorms in some areas, which may lead to flash-flooding.
Please take care on the roads today, and remember: "If it's flooded, forget it."
If you need the SES assistance, please call 132500.
** Update: This warning has been updated. Check bom.gov.au/vic/warnings for latest information **
Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall.
Stay informed: bom.gov.au/vic/warnings
Issued at: 11:24 am EST on Saturday 3 October 2026
Where:
For people in West and South Gippsland and parts of South West, Central and East Gippsland Forecast Districts.
Locations which may be affected include Geelong, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Sale, Warragul and Mt Baw Baw.
When:
Heavy rain for parts of the Otways and Geelong today, and Gippsland from today into tomorrow.
Situation:
A low pressure system is expected to linger over eastern parts of the state during Saturday, resulting in persistent southeasterly winds and moderate to heavy falls through parts of Gippsland and the Otways.
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast during the remainder of Saturday and into early Sunday.
For Geelong and the Otways: 6-hourly rainfall totals between 35 and 55 mm are likely. Isolated falls up to 70 mm are possible, most likely about the elevated parts. 24-hourly totals between 60 and 90 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 150 mm possible about elevated parts. Conditions are expected to ease late Saturday afternoon but may persist into the early evening.
For Gippsland: 6-hourly rainfall totals between 35 and 55 mm are likely. Isolated falls up to 70 mm are possible, most likely about the elevated parts. 24-hourly totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 110 mm possible about elevated parts. Conditions are expected to easy during Sunday morning.
The low pressure system slowly tracks east then moves into the Tasman Sea on Sunday.
Impacts:
38 mm of rainfall was recorded at Inverleigh in the 6 hours to 11:15 am.
42 mm of rainfall was recorded at Pollocksford in the 6 hours to 11:15 am.
64 mm of rainfall was recorded at Benwerrin in the 3 hours to 11:15 am.
72 mm of rainfall was recorded at Lorne (Mt Cowley) in the 6 hours to 9:30 am.
What you should do:
The Victoria State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
The next warning is due to be issued by 5pm AEST Saturday.
