AFTER a break in rainfall during the past three days, residents are being told to prepare for a massive downpour, with up to 50mm expected in Kerang later this week.
That will put pressure on the Avoca, Loddon and Murray river systems, that are already in minor and moderate flood levels for the first time since 2016, spilling into floodplains and causing headaches for private landowners’ levee banks and their strucutral integrity.
Meanwhile, Gannawarra Council, Parks Victoria and residents have sprung into action to stop water from flowing into the front of properties that front the Murray at Koondrook, as the bank erodes due to the high and fast flows.
Up to 20mm is forecast to hit Kerang and district tomorrow, before 35mm-50mm on Thursday.
The district has recorded 24.2mm already in October, which is still below the 36.5mm average for the month.
Already there are 10 flood warnings in place across the state, including moderate warnings for the Avoca and Loddon rivers.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Avoca River at Charlton, south-west of Kerang, is currently at 5.93m and rising.
“The Avoca River at Charlton township is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (5.9m) overnight Sunday into Monday,” the moderate flood warning said.
“The river level may peak near 7m Monday evening.
“Moderate flooding is occurring along the Avoca River downstream of Charlton.
“Further downstream at Quambatook, river level rises are likely in the next few days.”
The Avoca River at Quambatook is currently at 1.19m and “steady”, below the minor flood level. It’s expected to remain below the minor flood level (2m) during the next few days.
Meanwhile, the Loddon is in minor flood from Laanecoorie to Loddon Weir at 2.9m.
Minor flooding is occurring along the Loddon River at Appin South. Moderate flooding is occurring along the Loddon River at downstream Loddon Weir, where river levels are expected to peak around major flood level (7m). Minor flooding is continuing along the Loddon River at Appin South.
The Loddon River at Appin South is currently at 2.9m and steady, with minor flooding.
It’s expected to remain above the minor flood level (2.8m) for the next few days. Renewed river levels rises are likely from early in the week as upstream floodwaters arrive.
The Loddon River at the Murray Valley Highway bridge in Kerang is currently at 76.62 (m AHD) metres and steady, below the minor flood level (77.00 m AHD).
It’s expected to remain below the minor flood level (77m) for the next few days. Further rises are expected over the coming week as upstream floodwaters arrive.
In the Murray system, moderate flooding is occurring at Barham and Torrumbarry.
The Murray River at Torrumbarry Weir may reach around 7m, with moderate flooding, while the Murray at Barham may reach near 6m, with moderate flooding.
Downstream of Barham, where minor flooding is occurring along the Murray River at Wakool Junction and is possible at Boundary Bend.
The Murray River at Wakool Junction may reach near 9m at the end of the week, with minor flooding.
