7pm update:
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We just have confirmation that the Goulburn River has peaked at Seymour and is now falling.
It peaked at 6.8m around 4pm and now remains at a moderate flooding level.
It is likely to remain above the moderate level overnight tonight and into tomorrow.
6pm update:
The areas covered by the ‘Evacuate Immediately’ order has been expanded.
If you live, work or are holidaying in these streets evacuate immediately.
- Emily Street, Tierney Street, Lesley Street, Tallarook Street, Wallis Street, High Street, Elizabeth Street, Butler Street, Alexander Street, Edward Street, Station Street, Tristan Street, Hanna Street, Jubilee Street, Industrial Court.
- Kings Park and local river caravan parks will be impacted.
If you are located in the area listed above, it is recommended you Evacuate Immediately.
5pm update: Here is the wrap of the Emergency Management Victoria press conference - with news that the situation is worsening in Rochester and Seymour, but river levels are expected to peak significantly lower than in October 2022.
Click the link below to read the full story.
You can also watch the full video of the press conference below.
4.05pm
It is now too late parts of Yea that were early put under an evacuation warning.
VicEmergency said Miller St, Loan St, Whatton Pl and Court St have now been impacted by the flood, and everyone is advised to shelter in the highest location possible.
Continue checking in this artice throughout the rest of the day for updates.
3.45pm
As of 3.45pm, Yea is still under the evacuation warning but is now too late to leave.
People in Mulqueeny Lane, Clarence Way, Newberry Chase and Buckland Crt who hasn’t evacuated yet are advised to shelter on the highest location possible.
3.24pm
As of 3.24, Major Flood Warning is being issued for Goulburn River Lake Eildon to Seymour.
VicEmergency has advised to move to a higher ground immediately.
3.20pm
As of 3.20pm, a major flood warning has been issued for areas near Yea River.
Rainfall totals of up to 180 mm have been recorded in parts of the catchment in the 24hours to 9am today.
The Goulburn River in Seymour is at 6.70 metres and rising.
VicEmergency says that it is likely to peak near the major flood level of 7 meters on Monday afternoon.
12.40pm
As of 12.40pm an evacuate immediately warning has been issued for Yea.
If you live, work or are holidaying in this area, you should evacuate immediately if safe to do so.
If you are located in Mulqueeny Lane, Clarence Way, Newberry Chase and Buckland Crt, Miller St, Loan St, Whatton Pl and Court St, Yea, it is recommended you evacuate immediately if safe to do so.
The warning is current until 4pm.
If you do not evacuate before then, your property may be isolated or inundated with water and it may be too late to leave.
Safe locations to evacuate to include the Relief Centre which will be opened at the Yea Shire Hall in High St, Yea, at 2pm.
Residents can also go to a family or friends home located in a safe location away from flooding.
11.52am
As of 11.52am on Monday, January 8, VicEmergency has issued an evacuate immediately warning.
People living, working, or holidaying in Emily St, Tierney St, Lesley St, Tallarook St, Wallis St, High St, Elizabeth St, Butler St, Alexander St, Edward St, Station St, Tristan St, Hanna St, Jubilee St and Industrial Crt are advised to evacuate immediately.
Flooding above floor level is likely to occur.
Kings Park and local river caravan parks will also be impacted.
If you are located in the area listed above, it is recommended you evacuate immediately.
This warning is current to 6pm tonight.
You should travel to a safe location.
Options include a relief centre that has been opened at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre at Chittick Park, or family or friends’ homes located in a safe location, away from flooding.
The safest evacuation route is via Anzac Ave to Chittick Park.
When you leave, remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
If you do not evacuate before 6pm, your property may be isolated or inundated with water and it may be too late to leave.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
Stay inside and be aware of changing conditions.
If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher point such as a kitchen bench or second story.
Follow your emergency plan, if you have one.
Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
Earlier: Seymour was issued with a Moderate Flood Warning at 10.35am on Monday, January 8, after rainfall of up to 180mm in nearby areas in the 24 hours to 9am.
Major flooding is occurring along the Yea River at Devlins Bridge.
The Goulburn River at Seymour is at 4.54m and rising, with minor flooding, and is likely to exceed the moderate flood level of 5.20m.
VicEmergency advises everyone to prepare for flooding now and take action to protect their life and property against potential hazards caused by flooding.
Here is what the ‘Watch and Act’ message advises the public to do:
- Floodwater is dangerous — never enter floodwater.
- Rising floodwater can be dangerous.
- Be aware of water levels rising near you.
- Farmers should move livestock and machinery to higher ground.
- Floodwater is toxic — never play or swim in floodwater.
If you 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.
- Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
If you are travelling:
- Do not enter flooded areas.
- Turn around a find a safe alternative route.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- Floodwater is dangerous — never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
- Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
- Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
- Lift it — move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.
Impacts in your area:
- Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur in some locations.
- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
- You may lose services including power, water, sewerage and telephone due to flooding.
- High river levels and potential flooding in areas close to rivers and streams.
- Evacuation of some houses may be required.