Major flooding has caused disruptions to parts of Victoria’s train network with Melbourne experiencing a month’s worth of rainfall overnight, making it the wettest day in March since 1929.
The Bureau of Meteorology reports that the weather is caused by ex-tropical cyclone Esther, whose effects have also been felt in northern and eastern Australia.
However, the remnants of Esther have not passed yet, with the Bureau warning that flash-flooding and thunderstorms may still occur in the coming days. Conditions are expected to ease by the late weekend.
Severe weather warnings are currently in place for the Alpine Region, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bright, Shepparton and Falls Creek due to damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Metro Trains are advising users to allow for extra travelling time, as delays caused by flooding, power outages and fallen tree branches continue to plague train lines.
Metro Trains delays on 5 March:
- Belgrave, Lilydale and Glen Waterley lines experienced delays due to congestion at Flinders Street
- Hurstbridge and Mernda lines experiencing delays after a tree branch fell on the tracks
- Hurstbridge line from Heidelberg to Clifton Hill was replaced by buses due to flooding across rail lines
- Sandringham line from Sandringham to Elsternwick was replaced by buses due to flooding across rail lines
- Burnley line shut down after flooding on rail lines
- Mentone line shut down after flooding on rail lines
- Upfield line experienced major delays due to an external power fault affecting signalling equipment
For more information visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au.
