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Heavy rains drench Vic, SA

Sunday November 22, 2009 - 11:43 EDT

More than 50 millimetres fell in Melbourne overnight and even more heavy rain is expected. - ABC

The weather bureau says there is a risk of flash flooding in Melbourne this morning, with more heavy rain expected.

There's been substantial rainfall throughout Victoria overnight, especially in central parts of the state.

Tulum Vale in the Werribee River catchment had 62 millimetres up until midnight, and it was Melbourne's wettest 24 hours in November in four years.

More than 50 millimetres fell at Melbourne Airport, and more than 80 millimetres was recorded at Bullengarook, northwest of Melbourne.

Senior forecaster Scott Williams says more heavy rain this morning may cause flash flooding in Melbourne.

"The main low will push down across us during the morning so we'd expect the heavy rain periods to start contracting southwards out of the around dawn and probably not clearing the Melbourne metro area until about early afternoon, so we'll still be in for a second bout I think of fairly heavy rain," he said.

Mildura, Swan Hill and Shepparton all received more than 30 millimetres.

The downpour comes less than two weeks after a record breaking November heatwave.

Mr Williams says the weather pattern is unusual.

"It's been unique this month, very hot heatwave conditions and then this big dump of rain, so an awful lot of energy being released to produce this rain," he said.

He says the heavy November rain will reduce the chance of bushfires in December.

The State Emergency Service received more than 170 calls for help overnight. Most of the calls were for roof damage caused by flooded gutters in the metropolitan area.

Geoff Cartwright from the SES says the rain has caught some people off guard, after the record breaking November heatwave less than a fortnight ago.

He says crews are bracing for another down pour today.

"It's timely to reflect on the fact that while we're preparing for bushfires, there's always the risk of flood and storms and that it's desirable that we prepare for storm events and fire at this time of the year," he said.

"There is another band of rain coming across Melbourne this morning which will cause more issues for building and flash flooding.

"What we're asking people to do is while the rainfall has currently eased to make sure their gutters are clear to stop water coming through the ceiling."

Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms have dumped more than 50 milimetres of rain on parts of South Australia's north during the past 48 hours.

That is more than double the November average rainfall of some towns.

Pounding rain since late Friday has caused flooding in much of the state's far north.

Leigh Creek has recorded 56 milimetres in the past two days - it's average November rainfall is just 14.2.

In William Creek, pilot Richard Leslie-Newman says the heavy rain and strong winds have forced the closure of the airstrip and roads in the area.

"I look out the window, there's water as [far as] the eye can see, the trees are on about a 40 degree lean," he said.

It is expected a number of tourists in the area will have to postpone their flights out until tomorrow.

- ABC

© ABC 2009