Severe thunderstorms in regional Victoria have led to dangerous flash flooding and several road closures across the state.
Roads affected include the Hume Freeway, the Northern Highway, Breakaway Road, the Midland Highway, the Whittlesea-Yea Road, the Heathcote-Redesdale Road, and the Bendigo-Tennyson Road.
Delays are expected on the Hume in both directions, as one lane is closed due to flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has alerted residents and those driving through Victoria that local intense rainfall last night and this morning has caused a rise in water levels which could potentially be life-threatening.
A severe weather warning is also currently in place for a stretch of country which includes the towns of Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Seymour, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
The bureau says towns such as Moe, Yarra Glen and Seymour could be affected by flash flooding this morning.
Vic Emergency has issued a “Watch and Act” alert for the Campaspe River from Lake Eppalock to Barnadown, as well as for the King River and Fifteen Mile Creek.
Residents in these areas are being urged to protect themselves by moving to higher ground.
A major flood warning is also in place for the Campaspe River, while a moderate flood warning has been issued for the King River and Fifteen Mile Creek.
Emergency crews and water police carried out 26 flood rescues across Victoria last night, including 11 in Bendigo.
Drivers are being warned not to drive over flooded roads, as it is often not possible to tell how deep the water is.
“If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater,” its official advice reads.
“Avoid travel if possible.”
Last night the State Emergency Service rescued a man who had driven into floodwater at Lilydale, north-east of Melbourne.
You can stay up to date on road closures through VicRoads here, check weather warnings, forecasts and river levels on the Bureau of Meteorology website, and monitor warnings through VicEmergency here.