Ongoing flash flooding triggered by a severe thunderstorm along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road has swept multiple cars and caravan park equipment into the sea and forced evacuations in several coastal communities. Emergency warnings were issued on Thursday for the Wye, Kennett and Cumberland Rivers as intense rain dumped more than 170 mm within hours, overwhelming rivers and infrastructure. This sudden weather event caused the keyword “wye river flooding” to trend as dramatic footage circulated showing vehicles being carried out to sea and floodwaters rising rapidly near holiday hotspots.

Residents, holiday-makers and tourists in Wye River, Lorne, Cumberland River and Kennett River were urged to move indoors and seek higher ground as flash flood conditions worsened through the afternoon. Caravan parks and campgrounds located near riverbanks were inundated by fast-rising water, prompting evacuations to safer locations such as local shelters and community centres. In some instances, emergency services coordinated rescues, including the winching of a man from a rooftop at Cumberland River as floodwaters surrounded buildings.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued the severe thunderstorm warning around midday on Thursday, with conditions escalating by early afternoon, leading to the flash flooding emergency. Roads along the scenic Great Ocean Road were closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Lorne due to flooding and land-slip risks, limiting movement in and out of affected areas. Emergency services also advised residents to stay clear of floodwater due to the high risk of rapid rises and strong currents.

Local authorities confirmed that, as of the latest updates, there were no reported injuries or missing persons directly linked to vehicles swept into the ocean, and it appeared that most vehicles were unoccupied at the time they were carried out by floodwaters. However, caravans, tents and other camping equipment have suffered significant damage or total loss from the sudden inundation.

Emergency services including the State Emergency Service (SES), Victoria Police and volunteer rescue crews remain on scene to assist with ongoing evacuations and assessments of damaged infrastructure. Residents were advised to monitor official updates and avoid all flooded areas until conditions improve and authorities declare them safe for return.