Overview
- Authorities have downgraded emergency warnings but urge caution due to floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads, fallen trees and potential landslips.
- The Great Ocean Road remains closed between Lorne and Skenes Creek, with drivers detouring via the Princes Highway and coach services rerouting inland.
- The Bureau of Meteorology reported about 180 millimetres of rain in roughly four to six hours at Mt Cowley, which officials say drove the sudden flash flooding.
- SES logged more than 160 requests for assistance, supported multiple flood rescues and police say about 1,500 people were evacuated from the Wye River caravan park.
- Relief centres are operating in Lorne and Apollo Bay as crews assess widespread damage to vehicles, caravans and campgrounds, with no serious injuries reported but risks including electrocution and biological hazards flagged.