Storms and floods can happen.
Watch the following video to understand how to prepare for storms and floods and what to do during a storm or flood.
You can also find out if the location of your home is at risk of overland floods by visiting the State Emergency Service (SES) website.
Storms can occur anywhere and at any time. They can include strong winds, flash flooding, large hailstones, and lightning. They can bring down trees, branches and power lines, and damage property, vehicles and impact access.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) can issue severe weather and severe thunderstorm warnings, which alert communities to the possibility of damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
For more information on storms, visit Storms - Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) website.
Before a storm:
- trim trees and branches near your home
- clear gutters and downpipes of debris
- be prepared in case your phone, electricity or internet are not available – keep a battery-powered radio to receive emergency updates
- park your vehicle/s undercover, away from trees and powerlines
- stay indoors and bring pets inside
- secure outdoor items such as furniture and trampolines
- make sure your home emergency kit is ready to go.
During a storm:
- stay indoors and away from windows
- avoid driving if possible (if you must, take extreme care and beware of fallen trees or powerlines, and never drive through flood waters)
- look out for and avoid falling or damaged trees, damaged roads and debris, and fallen powerlines
- if the storm has damaged your home, or a fallen tree blocking your exit, call VICSES on 132 500.
After a storm:
- document any damage with photos and contact your insurance company
- avoid driving through affected areas, as roads may be impacted by floodwater, debris and fallen powerlines. Do not drive through floodwater.
Floods can happen suddenly and without warning, and can have a big impact on your property.
To find out if your property is at risk of flood, view our Thomastown and Lalor local flood guide or the Whittlesea local flood guide.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) can issue flood watches, which means there is a weather pattern developing that may lead to flooding. A flood warning is where flooding is expected, and will will usually be identified as minor, moderate or major flooding.
For more information on floods, visit Flood - Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) website.
Before a flood:
- lift furniture and valuables off the ground
- bring pets inside
- turn off gas and electricity
- use sandbags to prevent water from entering your property
- block drains and toilets with sandbags covered in plastic bags
- make sure your home emergency kit is ready to go
- monitor conditions.
During a flood:
- never drive, ride, walk, or play in floodwater
- evacuate early, to higher ground if possible
- stay informed – monitor warnings through the VicEmergency app or hotline (1800 226 226)
- if you need help, call VICSES on 132 500 – or if it is life-threatening, call 000.
After a flood:
- take photos of any damage and contact your insurance company immediatelybe aware of road hazards, such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads
- if you evacuated and are returning home, visit After a flood – returning home safely | Better Health Channel
- dispose of food or medications that were in contact with floodwater.