Cars washed out in Victoria’s Wye River flash flooding, emergency warning for Kennett and Cumberland
Onlookers have been left shocked by what was unfolding before them at the Victorian beach.
Cars have been swept out to sea and a campground is underwater as thunderstorms and flash flooding hit a popular holiday hotspot in Victoria.
An emergency warning remains in place for the Wye, Kennett and Cumberland rivers in the Lorne area on the state’s southwest coast after more than 175mm of rain was dumped on the area in the six hours to 3pm on Thursday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Storm surge washes several cars into the sea.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Dramatic video shared to social media showed one vehicle at the mercy of the swollen Wye River.
“Wye River has had flash flooding,” Michelle MacKenzie posted on Facebook with a video from the scene, 2.5 hours southwest of Melbourne on Thursday.
“Cars washed out to sea from caravan park. Please stay safe everyone.”
During the 14-second clip one onlooker yells, “there goes another car” as it is pushed towards the ocean.
Police said they are responding to several incidents along the scenic Great Ocean Rd due to flash flooding.
“Of immediate concern were reports several vehicles had been swept out to sea, however we believe no one was inside any of the vehicles at the time.,” Victoria Police said.
“No one was sighted in the vehicles, and we currently don’t have any reports of missing people.”
The Air Wing winched a man in his 60s from a roof in Cumberland River.
“We’re aware of reports a number of people sought refuge on the roof of the general store in Wye River however as water has now receded, they’ve been able to make their way off the roof,” police said.
No injuries have been reported.
VicEmergency issued a flash flood emergency warning for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne and surrounds just after 2.30pm.
“Very dangerous conditions are being caused by a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding,” the service said.
“You can stay safe by avoiding flooded and low-lying areas.
“Floodwater can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast.
“Be aware that heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.”
Thousands of properties have been left without power.
If you are in the warning zone, the message is “you are in danger”.
Authorities have also warned there “is a risk of landslips and landslides”.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the footage from Wye River is “terrifying”.
“I’m thinking of the community and campers along the Great Ocean Rd tonight,” Allan said.
Video shared online by Victorian MP Richard Riordan showed cars wedge under a bride as floodwaters raged.
“From fire to flood in the Otways,” he said.
“Be careful everyone.”
The area is popular with tourists this time of year, with many sharing video of the unbelievable scenery.
“Not the holiday at Wye River we had in mind,” one said.
Great Ocean Rd has been closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Wye River due to extreme weather.
“Please follow the direction of emergency services,” VicTraffic said.
The local Foodworks grocery store in Lorne was forced to shut its doors until further notice due to flash flooding, as it urged people to avoid the area.
If you are in a life-threatening emergency, call Triple-0.
For emergency assistance from the SES, call 132 500.
Originally published on 7NEWS
