Shocked onlookers watched helplessly as multiple vehicles were carried out to sea by sudden, violent flash flooding along Victoria's coastline on Thursday, prompting urgent evacuations and widespread power outages.
Cars Washed Away in 'Tsunami' of Water
Dramatic footage captured by local resident Michelle MacKenzie showed an empty car being lifted from the sand and into the fast-flowing Wye River, approximately 150 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. "Wye River has had flash flooding," Ms MacKenzie reported from the scene. "Cars washed out to sea from caravan park." Other witnesses described a surreal and terrifying scene, with several cars seen floating, colliding with each other, and becoming submerged under bridges near the popular tourist route.
Local resident Kath told the ABC the situation escalated rapidly around 1.40pm. "It really was like a tsunami of water going out from the river," she said. Further footage from the iconic Great Ocean Road revealed at least six more cars stranded after floodwaters surged. Police confirmed their Air Wing would attend the Wye River area, but noted that, fortunately, no injuries or missing persons had been reported at this stage.
Coastal Evacuations and Major Disruption
The emergency services have been forced into swift action. Caravan parks are being urgently evacuated along the coast, including at Carlisle River, Cumberland River, and the Lorne Foreshore. The flash flooding has caused significant infrastructure disruption, with the Great Ocean Road closed in both directions between Lorne and the Cumberland River.
The immediate impact on residents and visitors has been severe. An estimated 6,500 people are currently without power in the region. VicEmergency has issued a Watch and Act warning for the district due to the severe thunderstorms, with the State Emergency Service (SES) urging people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
Severe Weather Warnings in Place
The SES has been unequivocal in its warnings. "This thunderstorm is very dangerous," the service stated. "It is likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours." The official flash flood emergency warning was issued at 2.36pm for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne, and surrounding areas.
Authorities have stressed the critical importance of heeding safety advice. Motorists are told not to attempt driving through floodwaters and to find alternative routes. The community is advised to prepare for shelter and be acutely aware of hazards caused by the severe weather. The intensity of the rainfall was highlighted by the 115mm recorded at Mt Cowley on Thursday morning.
This devastating flash flooding event compounds a difficult period for the state, coming just days after deadly bushfires ravaged Victoria, destroying hundreds of homes and claiming at least one life. As one social media user poignantly observed, "The poor Vic's can't take a trick."
