An alert from the Department of Transport.
With heavy rain, damaging winds and possible flooding expected across the state from Wednesday, the Department of Transport urges Victorians to take care when conducting essential travel.
Under the current Stage 3 restrictions there are only four reasons to leave the house: for food and supplies, exercise, medical care and caregiving, and for work and education – if necessary.
Our advice to Victorians is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the North East and parts of the East Gippsland district.
A Flood Watch is also current for parts of the North East, Central and Gippsland regions.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in the wet, to be extra-vigilant when behind the wheel and to avoid driving through floodwater.
Drivers should leave extra space between themselves and the car in front, as braking distances increase in wet conditions.
The use of headlights is recommended to help see and be seen. Drivers should look out for cyclists and motorbikes which can be harder to see.
If the rain becomes too heavy for wipers to cope, we suggest pulling over safely and waiting for the rain to pass.
Damaging winds will likely result in branches and other debris on the road.
Where possible, motorists should move parked cars under cover – away from trees.
Passengers taking public transport are encouraged to check for services impacted by the weather before travelling.
Extra care should be taken on platforms and when boarding and getting off public transport, as surfaces can become slippery.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.