Live blog, October 13: Evacuation warnings for Rochester and Seymour as rivers set to rise overnight

Ensure you stay across alert across the Vic Emergency app, the Victoria SES website or calling 132 500 if you urgently need assistance. Call 000 in an emergency and remember to never drive through or enter floodwaters.

If you just want an update on your town, try to control-F or search in page to find the latest updates.

UPDATE, Thursday, 8.15pm: Finishing up on the blog

The MMG team is wrapping up the live blog for the day, unless something major happens.

Water levels will still rise overnight and we’ll be back early tomorrow with more but the sandbags have mostly been laid, people have evacuated and many places are shutting up shop for the night.

Remember to steer clear of flood water wherever possible, never drive through flood water and stay alert on the Vic Emergency app.

We have galleries from across the region covering all the snaps taken today. Check them out below.

Always call 000 in a life-threatening emergency, and for flood and storm assistance, contact SES on 132 500.

Keep the people of Seymour, Rochester and everywhere else affected in your thoughts.

Stay safe, warm and dry.

UPDATE, Thursday, 8.03pm: 12-car Hume crash due to pothole

It’s amazing how much damage one pothole can do, but for 12 cars driving along the Hume south of Seymour, they’ve all blown their front and back tires after hitting the same pothole.

In a normal period it might be something to chuckle at, but the roads have been washed away in large parts today - the Goulburn Valley Hwy has serious damage to the left-hand lanes and the Hume has also been seriously damaged.

UPDATE, Thursday 7.37pm: Evacuate in Seymour

Vic Emergency is directing residents around the Seymour township to evacuate - either to the emergency centre or somewhere else safe - due to the rising waters.

If you are located in the area bounded by the Goulburn River to Redbank Rd; along the Goulburn Valley Hwy to Whiteheads Creek up to the railway line and along to the bridge crossing the river to the south, it is recommended you evacuate immediately.

If you are located in low-lying areas around the Goulburn Valley Hwy/Redbank Rd area, it is recommended you evacuate immediately.

Max Stainkamph is on the ground in Seymour, and has just ducked into the evacuation centre on Pollard St. About two dozen people are at the Seymour evacuation centre, with a few children and families looking to bunk down for the night.

Toilets, showers, emergency accommodation and basic food is available for those who require it and we also have power to charge your devices and access free wifi.

UPDATE, Thursday 7.30pm: More roads, sandbag centre closed

Tyler Maher here, steering you into the evening hours - although you could probably guess that Max wasn’t writing about himself in the last update.

Having just been out and about in Kialla I can tell you it’s still teeming down.

The crew in charge of the sandbagging at Kialla Recreation Reserve have packed up.

They’re yet to receive official word, but are all expecting to be reporting for duty at the crack of dawn tomorrow to continue the efforts. We’ll let you know the details as soon as we hear them.

I’ve also updated the story linked below the introduction at the top of this page with more road closures in Greater Shepparton, including Lenne St and Howe St, Mooroopna.

UPDATE, Thursday 6.55pm: Water moving through Seymour

Heavy rain has left flash flooding across Wallis St in Seymour, right between two of the town's supermarkets.

Goulburn Park's playground has been nearly completely submerged and the sound shell is halfway underwater.

The Big 4 Caravan Park has also been evacuated.

UPDATE, Thursday 6.45pm: Seymour businesses busy sandbagging

Deputy editor Max Stainkamph has arrived in Seymour to find sandbags adorning many shop fronts in town.

He spoke to manager of Caffeine Bistro and Subway, Bob Singh.

“After COVID (we’ve now got this) disaster,” Mr Singh said.

“We’ve just finshed COVID and this has started now.

“I’ve got five sandbags here (at Caffeine Bistro) and I’ll probably take eight more because Subway is two doors, four and four.

“This (situation) is next level, I’ve never seen anything like it in 14 years.”

UPDATE, Thursday 6.30pm: A look across the region

Up in Echuca-Moama, the Riverine Herald’s Bransen Gibson has an assessment of today’s situation for you.

Read it below.

The latest from Rochester has come in from Monique Preston and Megan Fisher, who have been out on the road all day.

Down in Seymour, Murray Silby has an assessment from some locals of the region on how the next few days might play out.

And Simon Ruppert’s photography of the Benalla region from today can be found here.

UPDATE, Thursday 6.10pm: Do not enter floodwater

With all the flood warnings in place in the region, a timely reminder here from Vic SES who has been responding to people getting stuck after driving through flood water.

UPDATE, Thursday 5.45pm: Move to higher ground Euroa

Major flooding is imminent at Strathbogie, Galls Gap Road and Euroa.

People who are located in low areas are in danger and need to act now to protect themselves and more to higher ground.

Leaving now is the safest option before conditions become too dangerous.

The Seven Creeks at Euroa is currently at 4.44m and rising, with moderate flooding.

It is expected to exceed the major flood level of 4.6m on Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE, Thursday 5.35pm: Evacuate immediately at Rochester

People in Rochester are being told to evacuate immediately with floodwater rising rapidly.

Residents are told to travel to a safe location including the following options;

– A relief centre has been opened at Echuca United Football Netball Club at 252 High Street Echuca. The facility may have capabilities for small domestic pets, preferably in cages.

– Family or friends’ homes located in a safe location, away from flooding.

The Northern Hwy is the most accessible route.

“Evacuating too late or choosing to remain in your home when recommended to evacuate is dangerous and may put your life at risk,” an SES statement said.

“Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur.

“Local schools have been closed to until further notice pending floods to prevent people outside Rochester attending the community.”

UPDATE, Thursday 5.05pm: WorkSafe event cancelled

Tomorrow’s WorkSafe health and safety month event at the GV Hotel in Shepparton has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions and the recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel.

UPDATE, Thursday 4.50pm: Local schools closed on Friday

Local schools are starting to advise parents of closures on Friday due to severe weather and possible flooding.

St Anne’s College Kialla will be partially closed, with parents asked to keep their students at home where possible, “due to the unpredictable nature of the weather and flood conditions”.

Notre Dame College is also asking students to stay home tomorrow and parents were asked to notify if their child required supervision.

UPDATE, Thursday 4.30pm: Move to higher ground order in Echuca

A moderate flood warning has been put in place for Echuca-Moama with residents warned to move to higher ground.

Major flooding is likely at Barham from Thursday afternoon, with moderate flooding occurring at Corowa and Torrumbarry.

UPDATE, Thursday, 4.25pm: Road closures around Seymour

Seymour is now well and truly cut off from the Hume Hwy, with Emily St closed to the interchanges with Puckapunyal and the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

Delatite Rd is also shut.

UPDATE, Thursday 4.20pm: Update from Shepparton Incident Control Centre

We’ve just been over to the Incident Control Centre in Shepparton which has been running non-stop since 7am this morning.

Incident controller Rob Van Dorsser said river rises in Shepparton were predicted from Friday afternoon.

“Our focus has been down south in Seymour and Yea areas, however in the next few days we’re working on what that looks like [for Shepparton], because Shepparton’s downstream from Seymour and those flows will start to come this direction,” he said.

UPDATE, Thursday, 4.10pm: Anywhere from 250 to 1000 homes could be flooded in Rochester

Monique Preston has spoken to Rochester SES controller Tim Williams before she left Rochy alongside hundred of others.

Anywhere from 250 to 1000 homes could be inundated in Rochester depending on the severity of flooding.

Mr Williams said the expected situation would leave 250 houses with water above floor level.

We want to stress the 1000 homes is unlikely, with 250 the likely figure, but we simply don’t know how bad the flooding will be.

UPDATE, Thursday 4.05pm: Message from police in Rochester and Echuca

Any residents from the Rochester area planning on evacuating from low-lying areas of Rochester in light of the current weather event are requested to contact the Echuca Police Station on (03) 5483 1500 and register their details.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Echuca Basketball Stadium in High Street Echuca for those who require support.

Police are also requesting any vulnerable members of the community who have no means to be able to self-evacuate and wish to do so to contact Echuca Police on (03) 5483 1500 for arrangements to be made for transport to the evacuation centre.

UPDATE, Thursday 3.50pm: What do in flood waters

Murray Silby is in Seymour and has written a few yarns about the evolving major flooding situation down there.

Make sure you read through Vic Emergency’s advice on what to do in floodwaters.

As well as an extended version of his chat with Seymour resident Bill Solomon, who’s concerned about the flood levels.

“I’ve just walked around the town and things are pretty dire, I think, personally,” he said.

UPDATE, Thursday, 3.35pm: Emergency relief centre for Rochester open in Echuca

A relief centre in Echuca has opened for people from Rochester fleeing expected major flooding.

Earlier this afternoon Campaspe Shire Council mayor Chrissy Weller said the relief centre can be as flexible “as we need it to be”.

“The situation is constantly evolving and council will adapt to meet community demand,” Cr Weller said.

“Our team is completely prepared no matter what situation arises. If we experience a great deal of need from the community, we have other venues ready to go if we require further shelter.

“If we experience little to no need, we will try and arrange shelter for each person individually as they arrive.

“Council is being supported by the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Victorian Council of Churches, to attend to evacuees and to provide food.”

Residents along the Campaspe River in and upstream from Barnadown have been told to move to higher ground with major flooding now at Barnadown.

The Campaspe River is at 5.1m at Barnadown, which is 0.1m above major flood level.

UPDATE, Thursday, 3.20pm: Hume is shut.

Hume shut. Oh dear.

Melbourne-bound lanes are closed between Benalla and Avenel due to flooding, with the detour along the Midland Hwy to the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

The Goulburn Valley Hwy is also half-covered in water, and we’ve had reports of the section around Nagambie washing away in large parts - drive in the right hand lane and slowly if you need to travel at all.

UPDATE, Thursday 3.05pm: Major flooding likely at Shepparton Saturday

Just in from the Bureau of Meteorology, major flooding is likely at Shepparton on Saturday evening.

The Goulburn River at Shepparton is currently at 9.14 metres and steady, below the minor flood level.

It is expected to exceed the minor flood level 9.50m Friday afternoon and exceed the moderate flood level 10.7m on Saturday morning.

It is likely to reach the major flood level of 11m on Saturday evening.

Further rises are possible as upstream floodwaters arrive.

For Murchison, the Goulburn River is likely to exceed the minor flood level 9m on Thursday evening and further rises are possible.

Read the latest from BOM here.

UPDATE 2.50pm: Flooding impacting Hume Fwy

The Hume Fwy’s Melbourne-bound lanes are closed between Benalla and Avenal, due to flooding.

A signed detour is in place, taking the Midland Highway to Shepparton then the Goulburn Valley Hwy towards Seymour to return to the Hume Fwy.

Heathcote-Nagambie Road has also been closed due to water over the road.

Meanwhile, flood preparations are still going at Rochester with the Campaspe River rising.

Major flooding is expected from tomorrow morning at Rochester.

UPDATE 2.45pm: Aquamoves Shepparton monitoring access

Water is creeping over Tom Collins Dve near Aquamoves Shepparton.

The water level is being monitored and people are urged to be cautious when entering and exiting.

UPDATE, 2.40pm: Major flood warning for Seymour

Major flooding is now expected at Seymour from Thursday evening, with the Goulburn expected to hit 7m, the major flood level.

Residents in low-lying areas have again been urged to move to higher ground.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: News in brief from across the region (Echuca, Rochester)

Meanwhile, sandbagging has begun in Echuca with more than 10 trucks of dirt delivered during the day and people coming from Rochester to collect bags.

As we reported earlier, Rochester hospital has shut its doors.

Buses have also replaced trains across the region.

UPDATE, Thursday, 2.20pm: Seymour residents told to move to higher ground

Residents along the Goulburn River from Lake Eildon to Seymour have been told to move to higher ground.

Vic Emergency sent out an alert just before 2.20pm saying the Goulburn River from Lake Eildon to Seymour could be impacted anytime from Thursday afternoon.

“If you are located in low lying areas or close to a waterway you are in danger - act now to protect yourself and move to higher ground,” it said.

A relief centre will be open later this afternoon at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Pollard St, Seymour, according to Vic Emergency.

Vic Emergency said if residents choose to leave, remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications, travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding, turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace and be aware of any road closures when you leave.

UPDATE, Thursday 2.05pm: Seymour flooding in pictures, moderate flood warning for Shepparton

Bianca Hall has been out and about today taking photos across Seymour, where the Goulburn River level has taken a sharp turn towards major flood level. Check it out here.

Obviously the river could stop rising at any point and head back down, but I don’t love seeing that as someone sitting in Shepparton.

A moderate flood warning has been put in place in Shepparton as the river is high at Seymour and “significant rises” are occurring along its tributaries, with major flooding in Yea River, Hughes Creek and Sunday Creek.

UPDATE: Thursday, 1.45pm: Information session for Echuca

The SES is hosting a community information session tonight in Echuca to share the predicted impacts of flooding.

It is being held at 6pm at Echuca Secondary College hall, 20-50 Butcher St, Echuca.

UPDATE, Thursday 1.35pm: Seymour bracing for the worst

Murray Silby is down in Seymour and had a chat to Bill Solomon.

He turns 80 next week and has lived in Seymour all his life. He says his Tristan Street home hasn’t flooded in the 57 years he’s lived there, but he is concerned it will this time.

Rohan Aldous has just turned around on the Kyabram-Rochester Rd not far from Rochester with water “running fast and deep” over the road.

He said there is still a bit of traffic coming through, but for the love of everything, please don’t drive through floodwaters.

There are also reports of trees down over the Hume Hwy down past Tallarook.

UPDATE, Thursday 1.25pm: Rochester residents told to move to higher ground

A major flood warning has been issued for Barnadown to Rochester along the Campaspe River.

The Campaspe River at Rochester Town is currently at the minor flood level and rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level Thursday evening, and exceed the moderate flood level overnight on Thursday into Friday.

The river is likely to reach the major flood level on Friday morning.

Also, Murray Silby was in Nagambie earlier today, where the CFA is responding to flooding and more is expected, while the fire station was surrounded by water.

UPDATE, Thursday 1.20pm: Benalla warning upgraded, rainfall figures rising

A minor flood warning has been issued for Benalla, with minor flooding likely at Benalla Thursday afternoon and Casey Weir overnight Thursday into Friday.

Shepparton has had 45mm of rainfall since 9am Wednesday, and the number continues to climb.

For more check out this story below.

UPDATE, Thursday 1.10pm: Major flood warning for Goulburn River

Here’s the latest from the Bureau of Meteorology for the Goulburn.

Major flood is expected at Seymour from this afternoon, and is likely at Taggerty from this evening.

Meanwhile minor flooding is expected to extend downstream to Shepparton from Friday afternoon, with further rises likely.

Forecasts for downstream locations will be updated once upstream locations have peaked.

In the 24 hours to 11am Thursday, widespread rainfall totals of 30-80 mm have been observed in the Goulburn River catchment.

Further rainfall totals of 30-50 mm are forecast for the remainder of Thursday into Friday, with isolated higher totals possible.

– Seymour: The Goulburn River is currently at 5.73 metres and steady, with moderate flooding. It is likely to exceed the major flood level (7.00 m) on Thursday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

– Murchison: The Goulburn River is currently at 7.46 metres and steady, below the minor flood level. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (9.00 m) on Thursday night. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

– Shepparton: The Goulburn River is currently at 9.12 metres and steady, below the minor flood level. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (9.50 m) on Friday afternoon. Further rises are possible as upstream floodwaters arrive.

UPDATE, Thursday 1pm: Boil water notice for Echuca

Echuca residents have been told to boil water before drinking or using in food preparation.

“Coliban Water has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Echuca following excessive stormwater due to inclement weather entering one of our treated water storage tanks,” a statement reads.

“This may compromise the safety of the drinking water. The tank has now been isolated.

“A Boil Water Advisory is a measure taken when we detect a water quality issue with our customers’ drinking water supply.”

Coliban Water says it will keep customers informed and a further update is expected at 3pm today.

Information at www.coliban.com.au.

UPDATE, Thursday 12.45pm: Benalla update

Benalla Ensign editor Simon Ruppert has sent through an update.

The Lake Benalla walking track and board walk are under water. Lake Benalla is beginning to break its banks in most areas.

Also, there’s a call-out for flooding in Strathmerton, near Cobram, and apparently there’s a building fire at Dookie College?

UPDATE, Thursday 12.40pm: Seymour update

There’s a lot of water at Seymour at the minute, and Shepparton News reporter Murray Silby has found an example of why you don’t ever enter floodwaters.

Meanwhile Bianca Hall has a list of roads which have been closed in the Seymour region. You can find it here.

UPDATE, Thursday 12.30pm: Shepparton update

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali has just given an update from Kialla Recreation Reserve, where members of the community are collecting sandbags.

“Right now we’re in preparation stage and that’s the most important part in the lead up to this weekend,” he said.

“A lot of rain has taken place over the course of the past 24 hours and there’s more forecast.

“The main priority is you need to prepare, if you’re in a low-lying area, if you’re nearby to the river, you obviously need to prepare for what might come over the weekend, but as always remain calm.”

He asked people to avoid the Kialla Recreation Reserve and Raftery Rd area to allow people who need collect sandbags to do so.

“We need to offer as much space as we possibly can to those who require the support and assistance,” he said.

“Keep up to date across reliable news sources, follow the SES and Council Facebook pages between now and what might come this weekend.

“The Aussie spirit is we support each other. If you’re nearby someone who might be facing challenges at the moment please go and ask them if they need support, that’s what we all need to do in these circumstances.”

A moderate flood warning is being issued for the Goulburn River from Lake Eildon to Seymour, while a the same warning has been put in place for the Yea River, which flows into the Goulburn.

UPDATE, Thursday 12.20pm: Severe weather warning issued

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning.

I actually missed this come through both on my phone and on desktop, because I’ve had (like you) what feels like a few hundred of these warnings over the past 24 hours.

A severe weather warning for Western and Central Victoria will likely lead to heavy rainfall, flash flooding and high winds.

Six-hour rainfalls between 30 to 50mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 65mm. Gusts of up to 90km/h are also expected.

The exit from the Goulburn Valley Hwy to Nagambie (on O’Dwyer Rd) has been cut off, while huge potholes have opened on the highway along that troublesome stretch of road.

Flash flood warnings have also been issued for for Baddaginnie, just south of Benalla.

Also, for those in Shepparton who haven’t seen it — here’s the video from Shepparton mayor Shane Sali.

We’ll have the full wrap shortly.

Not sure if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of alerts, but I’m getting dinged for anything happening between Rochester and Benalla and Seymour and Cobram so, there’s a lot.

Anywho, I digress.

UPDATE, Thursday 12pm: Cobram update: Thompson’s Beach went under

Gab Garcia has a yarn on the water level at Cobram — he was up there yesterday.

The popular Beach Cafe at Thompson’s Beach in Cobram has been cut off.

As of Thursday, October 13 the facility remains inaccessible, with the road leading to it having been cut off by flood waters.

Power lines and tree branches have fallen, creating further obstacles.

The extent of the damage to the facility and the beach has yet to be verified, as entry into the area is impossible.

UPDATE, Thursday 11.50am: Benalla update

The walking track at Lake Benalla has been closed and several roads have been shut across Benalla, Campaspe and Mitchell Shire Councils.

Kobyboyn Rd, Telegraph Rd and Wimble St, Seymour have all been closed, Schoolhouse Ln, Tallarook and Popples Ln, Puckapunyal have been shut, as have

Baddaginnie Rd, Warrenbayne Rd, Swanpool Lima Rd and Ackerly Ave from the Midland Highway to Arundel St have also been shut.

UPDATE, Thursday 11.45am: More updates from Rochester

The Rochester supermarket’s workers were filling shelves as fast as they could on Thursday morning as demand increased due to continued rainfall and the prediction of flood waters hitting the town over the next 48 hours.

Rohan Aldous spoke to the supermarket in Rochester ahead of flooding and what people should expect.

Meanwhile Daneka Hill has written a lovely yarn with newsagent owner Peter Atley, who lives on the banks of the Camaspe River in Rochester.

Additionally, Shepparton mayor Shane Sali will address media in Shepparton shortly. The Shepparton News will be going live on Facebook and Instagram if you want to watch.

UPDATE, Thursday 11.35am: Power out in Echuca, water rising in Seymour

The Goulburn River at Seymour has hit 5.7 metres, which is above the moderate flood level of 5.2m but still below the major flooding mark of 7m.

Bianca Hall has taken some snaps and put together a story detailing the situation in Seymour. Check that out below.

Meanwhile, nearly 2500 people in Echuca have lost power.

UPDATE, Thursday, 11.25am: Rochester sandbagging under way

Matt McMillan opened The Town Barber on Mackay St eight weeks ago.

Now, he’s putting sandbags out the front, and a bevvy of helpers are moving all the fittings and taking them out and lifting everything onto milk crates.

Monique Preston and Megan Fisher are in Rochester and told me most shops have sandbags out the front.

Mr McMillan said they’d been told to expect flooding similar to 2011 levels, likely a bit lower, but was bracing for the worst.

UPDATE, Thursday 10.55am: Heathcote-Rochester Rd shut hospital to shut as two flood

Monique Preston and Megan Fisher have just arrived in Rochester, where Heathcote-Rochester Rd has been closed from Webb Rd to Corop, 13km.

Anna McGuinness has watched last night’s Rochester town hall meeting and put together a wrap of what residents were told.

Reach that full story for free here — the gist is there are two scenarios for the town to prepare.

UPDATE, Thursday 10.40am: Sandbag process at Kialla explained

Shepparton Search and Rescue’s Michael D’Elia has spoken to reporter Patrick Morrow about the process to get sandbags in Shepparton.

It’ll be open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm and 7pm at Kialla Rec Reserve (enter Raferty Rd), and he’s urging people be patient.

UPDATE, Thursday 10.30am: Seymour hit by floods, road partially bloked at Girgarre

Bianca Hall in Seymour has just popped across to St Mary’s Primary School in Seymour, and the town is damp.

School grounds flooded, football goals and shed pictured are under water.

The school will be closed on Friday, while 12 staff and many students could not make it to school this morning due to flooding on the roads.

Principal Wayne Smith said something needed to be done about Whiteheads Creek

Bianca is about to head around town to check out some of the more flooding.

Additionally, Monique Preston has said there is a tree down which is partially blocking a road west of Girgarre.

The tree has fallen on Winter Rd, between Watson Rd and Henderson Rd. Vehicles remain able to pass around the tree, but caution on approach is advised.

UPDATE, Thursday 10.25am: Note for those in Shepparton

Greater Shepparton City Council has reached out to help ensure people in the city are prepared for flooding.

Council has asked people, especially those living near the river, to download the Vic Emergency app to keep up to date with warnings, check Greater Shepparton City Council Facebook page, website, as well as this blog and local radio stations, for updated information.

Council has also mentioned the SES managing the distribution of sandbags - you must call the SES on 132 500 first to ensure your call is triaged.

Sandbags are available at Kialla Park Recreation Reserve, enter from Raftery Road. 10-2 and 5-7 and are pre-filled for those at risk of flooding

More locations may be added – this is not known yet.

UPDATE, Thursday 10.10am: Major flood warning for Euroa, Seymour school evacuated

A major flood warning has been put in place for Euroa, with Vic Emergency advising major flooding is likely at Euroa from Thursday evening.

“Major flooding is likely to develop at Galls Gap Road and Euroa from Thursday evening. In the 24 hours to 8:00 am Thursday, widespread rainfall totals of 40-120 mm have been observed across the Seven and Castle Creeks catchment.

“Further rainfall totals of 40-70 mm are forecast for the remainder of Thursday and Friday.”

St Mary’s Primary School is also being evacuated due to rising water levels at Whiteheads Creek.

We’ll have updates for Rochester shortly.

UPDATE, Thrusday 10am: Goulburn at moderate flood levels in Seymour

The Goulburn River is rising at Seymour to moderate flood levels, with the river at 5.2 metres.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the river level is rising, too. The river is still below flood level in Rochester.

We’ve also heard St Mary’s in Seymour is being evacuated — we’re trying to confirm that with Seymour Telegraph reporter Bianca Hall who’s heading out.

(To do a cheeky 10.05am update to a 10am update, just as I finished typing this a flurry of flood warnings have come through for Seymour — about 10 of them.)

UPDATE, Thursday 9.50am: Waters rise in Nagambie, paths in Shepparton and Mooroopna cut off

Murray Silby has just arrived in Nagambie to find new bodies of water forming.

These are areas that are not even connected to water courses but with the ground already saturated and with the rain continuing to fall, the areas of inundation are expanding.

Shepparton and Mooroopna have also been cut off from each other again via bike paths, meaning the only way to get across without a car is to walk across the causeway, which doesn’t have a shoulder.

UPDATE, Thursday 9.45am: Rochester emergency warning, more rain on the way

According to Vic Emergency, major flooding is likely along the Campaspe River at Barnadown overnight and at Rochester town from Friday morning. Minor flooding is expected from Thursday afternoon.

Bonn Rd at Rochester has been shut, with Narelle Fraser posting this photo of the the bridge just north of intersection Burnewang and Three Chain Rds. Rochester’s Mitre 10 has also shut.

There’s more bands on rain on the way to Victoria, with a large swathe of it just north of Adelaide.

Also Energy Safe Victoria is providing advice as storms and widespread flooding are forecast across Victoria.

Check that out here.

UPDATE, Thursday 9.15am: Another road closure in Greater Shepparton

A fifth road has been added to road closures in Greater Shepparton. Angle Rd in Murchison was closed on Thursday morning between Basin and Orr Roads.

This road adds to the list of other roads already closed.

These are MacFarlane Rd, Mooroopna, Bridge Rd, Toolamba, at Newnham Road Arcadia and 95 Bridge Rd Toolamba, Raftery Rd, Kialla, and Watt Road, Mooroopna.

UPDATE, Thursday 8.50am: Water rising in Benalla

Simon Ruppert has popped down to the Stocky bridge in Benalla and the Lake Benalla Levee to take a gander at how the water is rising.

There have been no call-outs in the town yet, but the water is rising.

UPDATE, Thursday 8.30am: Steady rain across the region, call-outs begin

Diving in to try and cover what we’ve seen overnight — we’ll get a clearer picture over the next couple of hours, so stay tuned for that.

Calls for assistance have begun trickling in across the region, with five call-outs for flooding in Nagambie this morning and two along the Campaspe River in Echuca.

No further call-outs have been made in Rochester, where people were lining up halfway around Moon Oval for sandbags on Wednesday.

We’ll have more on what Rochester residents should expect later in the day, but Rohan Aldous was on the ground on Wednesday.

By and large, river heights are yet to reach beyond minor flood levels across the region — aside from Hughes Ck at Tarcombe Rd, which has hit major flood levels at 8.15am — according to the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Rochester residents were able to attend a community information session at Rochester Shire Hall on Wednesday night, with advice to leave town by lunchtime on Friday to avoid being cut off to the south.

Two sites in the Strathbogie Ranges have recorded more than 100mm of rain in the past 24 hours (from 9am Wednesday), while several other sites east of Euroa also had rainfall between 50 and 70mm in a 24-hour span.

Catchments for the Campaspe River recorded less than 50mm in the 24 hours to 9am (with half an hour to go as I type).

More rain is expected for the rest of Thursday across the entire region, with anywhere between 40 to 60 more millimetres set to fall.

And, if you missed it yesterday, the Benalla Show has been cancelled due to expected flooding.