Major flooding is likely to develop in the Ovens and King catchments during Saturday morning. Since 9am Friday, rainfall totals of up to 79 mm have been recorded in the Ovens and King catchments. Three-day rainfall totals (for Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of around 100-200 mm are forecast for the North East, with peak totals exceeding 250 mm possible across the ranges.This rainfall is expected to cause significant and rapid stream rises, with minor flooding developing during the early hours of Saturday morning. If the rainfall is in the upper range of the forecast major flooding is likely to develop during Saturday morning.

Ovens River to Bright:

Major flooding is likely along the Ovens River to Bright.The Ovens River at Bright is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) early Saturday morning. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (4.30 m) Saturday morning.

Buckland River:

Major flooding is likely for the Buckland River.

Buffalo River: 

Major flooding is likely along the Buffalo River.The Buffalo River D/S Lake Buffalo is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.20 m) early Saturday morning. The river level is likely to exceed the major flood level (6.30 m) Saturday morning.

Ovens River Bright to Rocky Point:

Major flooding is likely along the Ovens River Bright to Rocky Point.The Ovens River at Eurobin is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.50 m) early Saturday morning. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (6.00 m) Saturday morning.The Ovens River at Rocky Point is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.20 m) early Saturday morning. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (5.20 m) Saturday morning.

King River:

Major flooding is likely along the King River.

The King River D/S Lake William Hovell is expected to exceed the minor flood level (1.80 m) Saturday morning.The King River at Docker Rd Bridge is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.70 m) early Saturday morning. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (4.10 m) Saturday morning.

Fifteen Mile Creek:

Major flooding may occur along the Fifteen Mile Creek.The Fifteen Mile Creek at Greta South is expected to exceed the minor flood level (2.80 m) early Saturday morning. The river level may reach the major flood level (6.00 m) Saturday morning.

Ovens River downstream of Rocky Point:

Major flooding is likely along the Ovens River downstream of Rocky Point.The Ovens River at Wangaratta is expected to exceed the minor flood level (11.90 m) during Saturday. The river level is likely to reach the major flood level (12.70 m) late Saturday.

Act now - take actions immediately to protect your life and property.

What you should do: 

Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.

Rising floodwater can be dangerous. Be aware of water levels rising near you.

Follow your emergency plan and locate your emergency kit, if you have one.

If you choose to leave: 

Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications. 

Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding. 

Be aware of any road closures when you leave.

A Relief Centre has been opened at the Myrtleford Senior Citizens, Smith Street, Myrtleford. 

If you are travelling: 

Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around a find a safe alternative route. 

Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges. 

Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater. 

If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave: 

Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for 3-5 days in case you become isolated.

Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow. 

You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings. 

Impacts in your area: 

Flooding above floor level of a single story home will occur in many locations.

Based on historic data, this flood is likely to have a similar or worse than the impact of 2010, which resulted in significant flooding.

This message was issued by State Emergency Service.

The next update is expected by 02/12/2017 02:50 am or as the situation changes.