Live blog, October 14: Parts of Shepparton, Mooroopna, Kialla West, Orrvale to prepare to evacuate, community info session wrap, Murchison inundated

Ensure you stay across alert across the Vic Emergency app, the Victoria SES website or calling 132 500 if you urgently need assistance. Call 000 in an emergency and remember to never drive through or enter floodwaters.

If you just want an update on your town, try to control-F or search in page to find the latest updates.

UPDATE, 11.55pm Friday: Help needed at Shepparton Showgrounds

I caught up with Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Shane Sali at the Shepparton Showgrounds.

He is calling for volunteers to help fill sandbags overnight, with a high demand expected to increase as daylight approaches.

This is where I will leave the blog for tonight, I hope our coverage has been helpful and we wish you all well over the coming hours and days.

Tomorrow’s blog will go live in the morning.

UPDATE, 11pm Friday: Murchison told to evacuate

An Emergency Warning has been issued for Murchison. If you live, work or are holidaying in this area, you should Evacuate Immediately.

The Goulburn River at Murchison is currently at 10.73 metres and rising, with major flooding. The Goulburn River at Murchison may reach around 12.00 metres Saturday morning.

If you haven’t already left, you need to leave now.

UPDATE, 10.10pm Friday: Sandbags available now, meeting wrap

Max Stainkamph has gone for a well-deserved rest, but before he went he compiled this wrap of the community meeting which was held tonight.

Greater Shepparton City Council has opened the sandbag centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds.

I’ll let you know how it’s looking shortly when I head out there.

UPDATE, 10pm Friday: Alerts pinging for areas of Greater Shepparton

Parts of Mooroopna, Shepparton, Kialla West and Orrvale have been instructed to prepare to evacuate.

Flooding is expected to reach the Kialla West area at moderate level by 6am Saturday with Major flooding occurring at about 11am on Sunday morning. If you are in the areas listed below, prepare to evacuate now.

Union Rd West from just east of the Goulburn River east onto Union Rd to just east of the Archer Rd south intersection (northern side); from the northern end of Archer Rd South east across to Central Kialla Rd across to Trevaskis Rd (includes McKernan Rd west of Trevaskis Rd) to the East Goulburn Main Channel. North along the Channel to Irish Creek then northwest to Trevaskis Rd then west to Central Kialla Rd (includes the Kialla Golf Club) then northwest to Mitchell Rd along Seven Creeks to the Shepparton-Seymour Rd. Then south down behind the cemetery down to Moira Drive west across to the Goulburn River (includes Moira Park Scout Camp) then east back to the Shepparton-Seymour Rd and to Seven Creeks. South along Seven Creeks to just north of Union Rd then west to No2 Channel.

Flooding is expected to impact locations (see below) in the Orrvale area by 4am Saturday 15 October. If you are in this area, prepare to evacuate now.

Properties along Broken river Drive to Archer St down to Oxbow Ave (south side) along the southern edge of Kensington Gardens across to McPhees Rd; east to Doyles Rd to Orrvale Rd to Prentice Rd across Central Ave up to Channel Rd to Jameson Rd across to Boundary Rd and to the East Goulburn Main Channel. Then south to where the Channel meets the No 8 Main Channel then up to River Rd to Trevaskis Rd. Across to Doyles Rd continuing across to Archer Rd and into areas including Avon St, Wilgarning Dve, Whitton Ave, Marlboro Dve, Kerang Ave and areas along the Kialla Lakes

UPDATE, 9.45pm Friday: Watch and Act in place for Shepparton

A watch and act order has been put in for the north of Shepparton near the Boulevard.

Flooding is expected to impact properties in the following Shepparton areas by 11am Saturday, October 15. If you are in the following areas, prepare to evacuate now.

From the river along Daldy Rd east to the Barmah-Shepparton Rd then south to the transmission line crossing then west and south to Wanganui Rd; across to Mercury Ct then south on the Numurkah Rd to Halpin Cres; then west up to Furze Ave, along Newton Cres, up to Hicken Cres to Fehey St down to Balaclava Rd across to Cowrie St, up to Alambie St then down to The Blvd; follow The Blvd down to Quinan Pde to the Midland Hwy. down Welsford St to the railway line.

North up the railway line to Swallow St then down to Hayes St then down Hare St, Sanderson St, Wilmot Rd, Bradford Rd, Palmer Rd to Broken River Drive. Across to the GV Hwy across to Forest Rd, down to Settlers Dr and across to the Goulburn River.

There is also an area bounded by Kitties Rd, the river, Wanganui Rd and west of Kingfisher Dve, Pelican Crt and Curlew Pl that should remain unaffected however they will be isolated by waters to the east and north.

There are properties within these areas that may not be directly impacted with street flooding only.

UPDATE, 9pm Friday: Watch and Act in place for Mooroopna

A watch and act message is being put in place for locations within the Mooroopna township.

The alert from Vic Emergency said residents should prepare to evacuate.

Flooding is expected to impact locations in Mooroopna from 3pm on Saturday.

From Cemetery Rd south to Hoggard Dve including Little Rd down to the Echuca Rd around the back of properties on Paisley Crt; along the edge of the Conservation Reserve to the power sub-station then along Echuca Rd to Grange St; South to Macisaac Rd across to Norton Reserve and along Norton Dve around Homewood Dve at the back of Westview Dve to the rear of the Rodney Park Retirement Village to Knight St.

South across to Jones Drive along the western side of Rodney Park Reserve then across McLennan St to Emma St, Hall St, Daisy St to Lenne St along Stanley St along the rear of properties along Rostrata Cr, following the reserve to Banfield Ave (S/E side). Then across to the reserve along the Goulburn river - follow the river north across the highway to Cemetery Rd again.

There are some properties within this area that may not be impacted directly with street flooding only.

Residents are advised to gather any essential medicines, important documents, mementos, photos and pets to take with you if you evacuate.

Have three days' supply of clothing and medication packed and ready to go.

If possible, contact your neighbours to check they are aware of the situation and if they need help.

UPDATE, 8.57pm Friday: Clarifications on sandbags, causeway

Hello all, Max Stainkamph jumping back into the blog having just returned from the Shepparton information forum. This will me Shepparton and Mooroopna focused content for the next little while - if you’re in the regions, please bear with us.

The biggest question going around Shepparton is around the causeway. There is no planned time for the causeway to shut - it will shut when the water levels mean it can no longer remain open.

The causeway is expected to shut when the river hits 11.6m.

At this stage, the SES and Shepparton Search and Rescue expect 11.6m to be reached at about midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning, but that may change.

Sandbags are also a popular question. There is a limit of 25 per home, and there will be three distribution points from Saturday morning.

Tatura, Mooroopna Rec Reserve and Shepparton Showgrounds will be collection points for sandbags on Saturday, with the first two locations open from 10am until 7pm.

The Shepparton Showgrounds will be open from earlier, but council were unsure how early that would be. Check council’s Facebook page on Saturday morning for more details.

UPDATE, 8.35pm Friday: Still going strong

This blog will continue for a few hours yet at least - and a new one will be struck up in the wee hours of tomorrow - because we still have plenty to bring you.

As we compile the wrap of this evening’s meeting and the flow of information coming in subsides, the updates will be more spaced out. We’ll let you know when we’re finishing up.

If you’re just arriving to the blog now, welcome - you’ve got over 6000 words and 30 photos to consume.

If you’ve been popping in all day, thank you - our teams are working tirelessly (I’ve never understood that phrase because I am, in fact, very tired) around the clock to keep you updated with important and emergent information.

I’m ducking out for some dinner and, if I’m honest, to lift some things off of the floor at my house. Like a lot of you, my property is in the blue area of the flood maps. But I’m not panicking - I’m preparing, as all of the information tells us to.

I’m also extremely proud, of not only the MMG crew producing all of our content, but of you - the regional communities who always bind together at a time like this to help each other through it.

Stay safe,

Tyler Maher.

UPDATE, 8pm Friday: That’s it for the meeting

Thousands of residents from Greater Shepparton and no doubt beyond tuned in to a Flood Emergency Public Information session this evening.

Traffic peaked across Shepparton News and Greater Shepparton City Council live streams of the event at over 2300 viewers early in the almost hour-long session, before steadily settling at well over 1000 people engaged with the information.

Questions covered all areas and topics of the current flooding situation - and we will have a wrap for you soon - but some of the key points included the following.

Stay informed - Check your property at http://gbcma.vic.gov.au/ by following the links to the flood report section, but be patient as the website is struggling under the weight of interest.

Be prepared - If you are in the expected flood zone it means your property is likely to be affected when the Goulburn River approaches the 12m mark on the Shepparton gauge. This means you should take steps to protect your property, belongings, pets and most importantly yourself. You can do this by, among other things collecting sandbags at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve or the Shepparton and Tatura Showgrounds tomorrow, where the ADF will be helping to increase efficiency of distribution.

Act quickly and safely - If you need to evacuate, do so as early as possible. When you do you should turn off your gas and electricity services.

UPDATE, 7.53pm Friday: Max’s fast fingers

I’m not sure how Max is keeping up with all of this information.

The ADF will be assisting with sandbags tomorrow. The time to sandbag your house if you are concerned is now, or as soon as possible.

UPDATE, 7.50pm: Evacuation questions

If you receive an evacuation order you are not legally required to leave.

It is certainly highly recommended and these orders are not issued lightly.

UPDATE, 7.45pm: A note about new estates

New houses have been built to a floor level above what is expected over this event.

This does not mean your house will not be affected, but it gives your carpet a much higher chance of staying dry.

UPDATE, 7.40pm: Gas, water and electricity

The advice is that if you are leaving your home to evacuate, turn off your electricity and gas if possible.

UPDATE, 7.35pm: More updates

Small animals can be taken to the relief centres.

Contact council if you need further assistance with evacuating.

The stream has gone down but will be back up shortly. It is also on the council Facebook page.

UPDATE, 7.30pm: An idea of what will happen first

The Broken River will peak first, then Seven Creeks, then the Goulburn - which will be a slow rise from major to peak.

At this stage the sandbag operations tomorrow will be at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve at the Midland Hwy entry from 10am, the Shepparton Showgrounds from 7am and also in Tatura with further details to come.

Committee for Greater Shepparton and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project have been helping with door-knocking today.

UPDATE, 7.25pm: Questions coming in

UPDATE, 7.15pm: Causeway expected to be closed when flood approaches peak

The magic number is around 11.6m at the Shepparton gauge of the Goulburn River for the waters to affect the Ross-Edwards Causeway between Mooroopna and Shepparton.

This is expected to be around midnight Sunday heading into Monday.

UPDATE, 7.10pm: Meeting under way

Expecting to pass the major flood levels at Orrvale and Kialla West in the morning, with peaks overnight Saturday.

Murchison has reached major flood levels and will peak tomorrow at around 12m.

Shepparton will reach major flooding Saturday afternoon and will peak on Tuesday at around 12m.

There is a lot of water to come, so it is why we are seeing “long, slow rises and long, slow recessions.”

Head to Facebook for the live stream.

UPDATE, 7pm: Community info session about to begin

The community information session is about to begin, if you’re not watching the live stream on Facebook I’ll have you covered with some key info here before we get a full wrap ready.

UPDATE, 6.25pm: Head to Facebook at 7pm

A reminder that emergency services are holding a community information session at 7pm today.

The session will be held at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre at 132 Welsford St.

Representatives from emergency services will share information and advice about the flood situation.

My colleagues will be live-streaming the session on the Shepparton News Facebook page.

I’ll filter some key points through here, but we will have a full wrap of what is said ready for you shortly after it finishes.

Until then, here’s a photo of a doggo. They have been severely lacking today.

UPDATE, 6.15pm: Moderate flooding easing at Euroa

Moderate flooding is currently easing at upstream locations along the Seven and Castle Creeks, including Euroa. Flooding will extend downstream, with major flooding likely at Kialla West Saturday morning.

Rainfall has eased, and upstream locations have peaked.

Major flooding is likely along the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa.

The Seven Creeks at Kialla West is currently at 5.26 metres and rising, with moderate flooding. The Seven Creeks at Kialla West is likely to exceed the major flood level (6.60 m) Saturday morning. The river level may reach around 7.10 metres overnight Saturday into Sunday.

If you are in Kialla West, the advice remains that you should move to higher ground.

UPDATE, 6pm: Premier Daniel Andrews speaks in Shepparton

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has visited the incident control centre at Shepparton this afternoon.

Alongside Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp and Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes, they flew over floods at Benalla and Seymour.

“There's a big volume of water coming the way of Shepparton, Murchison and Mooroopna,” Mr Andrews said.

“We're here for the people of Shepp and indeed the Goulburn Valley, and I'm pretty sure we'll be back because these next two, three, four days are going to be a very, very challenging time.”

Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed was also at the ICC and said she was concerned people weren’t taking the flood warning seriously.

“It's arriving slowly, in a sense, but it's going to come with a bang,” she said.

“By Tuesday, we're expecting major floods throughout Shepparton, and that has a really significant impact.”

You can read the whole story here.

UPDATE, 5.30pm: How do you apply a sandbag to your home?

It’s a question I’ve certainly asked today.

Monique Preston has everything you need to know in this link below.

And I know you’re hanging out for the Premier’s comments, they’ll be promptly ready for you.

UPDATE, 4.45pm: Premier Andrews in town

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is in Shepparton surveying the imminent flooding situation.

News senior journalist Anna McGuinness has had a chat with him and will have some comments for you shortly.

UPDATE, 4.15pm: Farmers defending their livestock

Farmers have been moving stock to higher ground on Friday, October 14 as floodwaters moved down from Euroa across the lower flood plains, as far as Karramomus near Shepparton.

Geoff Adams has the story.

UPDATE, 4pm: Murchison flood peak to hit at 5pm

Monique Preston has filed a story on what she saw in Murchison today.

Murchison residents have been told to brace for flooding, with the Goulburn River expected to peak around 12 metres at 5pm on Friday.

Max Stainkamph and Murray Silby have also put together a story on the situation at Seymour.

UPDATE, 3.40pm: Floodwater rises between Euroa and Shepparton

Nathan Burdziejko took some photos of floodwaters as they drove from Euroa back to Shepparton today.

UPDATE, 3.10pm: Shepparton community information session tonight

Emergency services are holding a community information session at 7pm today.

The session will be held at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre at 132 Welsford St.

Representatives from emergency services will share information and advice about the flood situation.

The session will also be livestreamed for those who can’t attend in person. More info to come on how to watch this.

Council has a current flood information update available on their website here, which includes the community information session.

Here’s the latest for those having to evacuate from council too, McIntosh Centre is open as a relief centre.

UPDATE, 3.05pm: Urgent call for volunteers to help sandbag

Greater Shepparton City Council is calling for volunteers to assist with sandbag filling.

Volunteers are asked to go to Mooroopna Recreation Reserve now if they are available.

The Kialla Recreation Reserve reportedly ran out of sandbags earlier.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: Move to higher ground, Broken River

A major flood warning has been issued for the Broken River to Benalla, with Benalla and Casey Weir already impacted.

Moderate flooding is likely at Orrvale from this evening with major flooding possible tomorrow morning.

People in the area of danger should act now to protect themselves and move to higher ground.

Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

UPDATE, 2.15pm: Minor flood level at Shepparton

The Goulburn River at Shepparton has reached the minor flood level of 9.5 metres.

A reminder from earlier, major flooding is expected at Shepparton from late tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has been on the ground in Rochester, Murchison and Seymour in the past 24 hours.

He’s put out a message to the community and reiterated 4000 properties in Shepparton will be impacted if the 1974 flood levels are reached.

Read that story below.

Geoff Adams has returned from Euroa and took this photo of a Hereford herd standing on the high ground at Miepoll while the lower land is inundated with water from creeks.

The road from which the photo was taken, Murchison-Violet Town Rd, has since been closed due to water over the road and on bridges.

UPDATE, 1.45pm: News from the team

Our journalists are beginning to filter back to the office after their morning forays into the regions.

The word from down south across Murchison and Euroa is that there are large amounts of water across many roads, and not just small side roads.

The advice remains to rethink any unnecessary travel and if you are on the roads, take it easy.

Many of our team live in the same flood-affected streets and suburbs that you do and will be preparing this afternoon for the water that is on its way.

UPDATE, 1.25pm: Kialla Recreation Reserve is out of sandbags

Word from News reporter Isabelle Harris, who was in line at the Kialla Recreation Reserve sandbag collection point, is that they are out of sandbags.

Council earlier advised that sandbags are available for collection at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve as well.

UPDATE, 1.20pm: CFA doorknocking in Murchison

The CFA is doorknocking homes and businesses in areas between the main street and Watson St to leave now if they want to get out of town.

The River Haven Caravan Park, which was already experiencing some flooding - has also been told the evacuate.

Some roads, including the Murchison-Tatura Rd has already closed because of floodwaters over the road.

The Australia Defence Force is on its way to Murchison now to help fill sandbags.

People can collect sandbags from a point in Watson St.

Murchison SES controller Stephen Addison said the river is expected to peak around 12 metres at 5pm today.

"I've been here 25 years and never seen the river so high." Mr Addison said.

UPDATE, 1.05pm: Evacuation warning for Murchison

This emergency warning is being issued for Murchison.

If you live, work or are holidaying in this area, you should evacuate immediately.

Widespread major flooding is occurring along the Goulburn River and its tributaries in response to widespread heavy rainfall during Wednesday and Thursday.

Flooding is expected to impact Murchison at 3pm.

A relief centre has been opened at the McIntosh Centre at the Shepparton Show Grounds, Thompson St, Shepparton.

When you leave, remember to take your pets (no large animals), mobile phone and medications.

Please bring bedding if intending to stay overnight (pillow, sleeping bag, etc).

Or if possible head to family or friends’ homes located in a safe location, away from flooding.

The safest evacuation route is by the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

UPDATE, 1pm: Emergency relief centre opening at McIntosh Centre

With major flooding expected imminently at Murchison, Greater Shepparton City Council has advised an emergency relief centre will open at the McIntosh Centre from 2pm today.

The council has asked the community to obey SES directions and be ready to leave if told.

For Shepparton, major flooding is expected and pre-filled sandbags are available at Kialla Recreation Reserve and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve. People are told to be prepared to wait.

Here’s the full post from council;

UPDATE, 12.50pm: Car tyres wrecked by potholes between Nagambie and Seymour

A local towtruck driver says there are more than 35 cars from Nagambie to Seymour on the Goulburn Valley Hwy, with broken wheels waiting to be towed.

He said potholes are up to half a metre and sent through this photo of a car that’s had to be towed.

UPDATE, 12.35pm: Flood rescues being carried out

More than 200 flood rescues have been carried out in Victoria.

Over 200 main arterial roads are closed, people are asked to plan your travel and reconsider it.

State control centre is elevated to Tier 3, the highest level of response.

Potential for the ADF to become involved in the situation in the Goulburn Valley.

UPDATE, 12.35pm: More from press conference in Melbourne

Chief Officer of Operations for Vic SES Tim Wiebusch is speaking.

“We’re expecting that to peak at the level similar to what we saw in 2011, potentially impacting around 1000 properties in Rochester,” he said.

“Echuca impacts either the same or higher than 2011.

“Record flooding in Seymour, around 50 people at the evacuation centre overnight, around 300 homes affected.

“Likely to see major flooding starting this evening at Murchison and peaking at around 12.2m on Sunday.

“Kialla West peak expected Saturday night into Sunday.

“Going to start seeing moderate flooding in Shepparton and Mooroopna from Saturday lunchtime.

“Likely to exceed the 1974 levels, around 4000 properties either surrounded or with above floor level flooding.

“Those 1974 levels are expected by Tuesday. Road access will be restricted from Saturday afternoon.”

UPDATE, 12.30pm: Minor flood level reached at Kialla West

Seven Creeks has reached the minor flood level at Kialla West, while Murchison is at the moderate flood level.

John Crilly has sent in this photo of Lake Bartlett at Tatura this morning.

UPDATE, 12.25pm: Victorian Premier provides update

Premier Daniel Andrews is providing an update on the flood situation in Victoria.

The Mickelham Quarantine Centre is being turned into a relief centre, while the SES is responding to 2679 requests for help.

A severe weather warning has now been cancelled.

Rainfalls totals of 224mm at Strathbogie North, 212mm near Euroa, 166mm near Seymour have been recorded over the course of this weather event.

Benalla is peaking around major levels now and Orrvale expected to peak overnight.

Rochester is peaking today and Echuca could see major flooding tomorrow.

Shepparton could see 12 metres on Tuesday, Euroa has likely peaked and Kialla West is heading towards major flooding.

What we can expect longer term: Isolated 5-10mm of showers across the state today. Another low is potentially developing over South Australia on Monday and Tuesday, but is currently trending towards going over NSW. Northern Victoria could see the edge of that on Wednesday and Thursday.

UPDATE, 12.20pm: River rising at Murchison

More coming in from Murchison where Monique Preston and Megan Fisher are monitoring the situation.

River Haven Caravan Park at Murchison is in a low-lying area next to the Goulburn River and a large section has been flooded.

The park shifted standalone caravans from the lower lying area of the park to higher ground yesterday.

At 7.30am today, water started to come through the park from the Goulburn and it’s flooded through cabins and caravans with hard annexes attached.

They’ve lost about 30 cabins or vans so far.

Owner Lesley McLennan alerted residents in the area this morning and many had to walk through the floodwater surrounding their cabins or vans.

She is now in the process of trying to find somewhere for about 12 residents to stay.

UPDATE, 12.10pm: Sandbag station busy at Kialla Rec Reserve

Queues are stretching from Kialla Recreation Reserve on Raftery Rd as people wait to collect sandbags.

Shepparton Search and Rescue asked community members to be patient.

The sandbags will be available for collection from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 7pm.

UPDATE, 11.55am: Flooding at Murchison Caravan park

Megan Fisher has just filmed this video of flooding at Murchison Caravan Park.

According to the BOM website, the Goulburn River is at 10.25 metres, just above the moderate flood level.

Major flooding is expected at Murchison from this evening.

UPDATE, 11.40am: Euroa-Shepparton road closure

The Euroa-Shepparton Rd has been closed between River Rd and Murchison Violet Town Rd due to flooding.

Speaking of Euroa, Geoff Adams and Nathan Burdziejko are on the ground there and are seeing farmers move their stock to higher ground due to the water rising in Seven Creeks.

As the water moves from Euroa to Shepparton, water levels are being monitored and watched carefully.

There are heavy amounts of water on the roads and drivers are warned to take precaution if travelling between Euroa and Shepparton.

UPDATE, 11.35am: Flooding expected at Echuca on Sunday

Riverine Herald reporter Bransen Gibson went along to the community information session last night in Echuca.

The community was warned to expect flooding at a similar level to the 2011 event, with the Campaspe River expected to peak on Sunday.

The flow-on from the Goulburn River is also expected to reach the region in five or six days.

Officials said they are expecting a “widespread inundation of floodplains” and other low-lying areas.

Sandbag stations are set up at Kerferd St and at the old Echuca South Primary School, on the corner of Boyle St and South St.

A sandbag hub was also set up at Jack Eddy Oval, Moama, on Friday morning.

A boil water notice has also been in place for Echuca residents since Thursday morning, due to excessive stormwater entering one of the treated water storage tanks.

UPDATE, 11.20am: GMLTA action cancelled

Tennis - of the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association kind - is off for this weekend.

“The GMLTA committee has decided to call off all round one matches due to the current conditions of the roads in our region and lots of our grass courts,” a statement from the executive committee said.

“With our league covering a big area and players also coming from outside our area...we agreed that it was the right thing to call off round one of tennis so that it was one less thing this weekend for people, who may have to travel in flood affected areas or help secure properties, to have to try to navigate.

“We look forward to hopefully getting out on court for round two next weekend.”

UPDATE, 11am: Water rising Rochester, Murchison

We’re hearing that water is almost fully over Gillies St to Moore St.

Traffic is still getting through the intersection towards Bendigo.

Mackay St is fully under and the bridge is blocked between the east and west is blocked.

Meanwhile Monique Preston has just sent through this image of the flood level at Murchison.

UPDATE, 10.50am: Seymour evacuations

Max Stainkamph has been told more than 140 people were evacuated to the aquatic centre on Pollard St on Thursday night, which was the official evacuation point in Seymour.

Mitchell Shire Council couldn't provide an exact figure for how many people were evacuated late on Thursday night.

More than 30 homes on Butler St and Tristan St were inundated to some degree, while more across town have also gone under.

UPDATE, 10.45am: Further evacuation order for Benalla

Another emergency warning was issued for Benalla at 10.25am, for people in low-lying parts of the township to evacuate immediately.

Floodwaters are rapidly rising and levels are expected to reach the major flood level of 4.5 metres.

A relief centre is open at Benalla Performing Arts Centre, Samaria Rd, Benalla.

For those on the West side of the Broken River access to BPAC will need to be via the Hume Fwy through the Winton exit.

Benalla Ensign editor Simon Ruppert has sent through some photos of the situation there.

UPDATE, 10.30am: Goulburn River over the banks at Murchison

More from Monique Preston who has now made it to Murchison where the water is over the Goulburn’s banks.

The Murchison Golf Club course is underwater, but the water hasn’s reached the historic Thornbridge Luxury Accommodation.

Photographer Megan Fisher is with her and sent through some snaps.

UPDATE, 10.25am: Seymour flood recovery

Seymour has rallied together on Friday morning to start the clean-up from the floods of the past 24 hours.

Bianca Hall and Max Stainkamph have put together this story after spending the morning in the community.

In Echuca, a sinkhole appeared this morning in the Echuca Primary School carpark.

UPDATE, 10.20am: Travel impacts across Victoria

Victorians are again being encouraged to avoid travel today with flood waters rising and roads damaged.

The Melbourne-bound lanes of the Hume Fwy between Benalla and Avenal reopened this morning however many major roads remain closed;

•The Midland Highway is closed between Benella and Shepparton

•The Pyrenees Highway closed in several locations

•The Wimmera Highway closed between Wilsons Hill and Newbridge

•The Melba Highway south of Yea

•The Kiewa Valley Highway, Bandiana

•The Great Alpine Road east of Wangaratta

•The Hamilton Highway, Hexham

The community is urged to visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au before travelling to familiarise themselves with what roads are closed in the area, and if it will be possible to reach their destination.

V/Line services, including trains, scheduled and replacement coaches are suspended on the Seymour, Shepparton, Albury, Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines.

UPDATE, 10.15am: Urgent call to help horses in Mangalore

Yulong Stud at Mangalore is calling for urgent help to rescue stranded horses from flooded paddocks.

They’re in need of life jackets, boats, blankets and rugs and any other help people in the Nagambie area can provide.

People who can assist are asked to contact Sam Fairgray on 0418 427 568.

They are located at 115 Grenada Rd, Mangalore.

UPDATE, 10.10am: Sandbagging at Kialla Recreation Reserve

Sandbagging is underway at Kialla Recreation Reserve this morning, entry is via Raftery Rd.

A line is already forming and people are asked to be patient.

The opening times are 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm.

There’s also a fair bit of water around Poplar Ave, our editor Tyler Maher has just been out there and sent in these photos.

UPDATE, 10.05am: Driveways, backyards flooding in Kialla West

Reporter Monique Preston is out at Kialla West and says a couple of streets off Bennett Rd in Kialla West are flooded with driveways, front and back yards seem to be affected.

The floodwater has come from the rain with drainage issues.

Devine Rd was flooded yesterday and water came up on Tucket Lane overnight.

She spoke to Ray and Jenni Hill who live on Bennett Rd, their driveway and backyard are underwater but they’re not worried about it coming into the house.

Ray said his biggest problem will be if the Goulburn floods and water can’t get away.

“It will interesting over the next 24 hours,” he said.

UPDATE, 9.55am: Rochester expected to exceed 2011 flood

Major flooding higher than the 2011 flood event is expected along the Campaspe River at Rochester and Barnadown.

At Rochester the river is at 114.5 metres AHD and rising, with major flooding.

It is likely to reach around 115.5 metres overnight Friday into Saturday.

An evacuation order was issued for Rochester last night and a relief centre has opened at the Echuca United Football Netball Club at 252 High St, Echuca.

The Northern Highway is the most accessible route.

In 2011, the river peaked at 115.4 metres and 80 per cent of Rochester and its surrounding rural areas flooded.

UPDATE, 9.45am: Coverage from the region

News photographer Megan Fisher has just sent through this photo where water is covering driveways near Kialla West Primary School.

Meanwhile, at 7.50pm on Thursday, Goulburn Valley Water sent out an alert to residents in Shepparton between Macintosh St and Broken River Dve with an area sewer system update.

Intense rainfall has overloaded some parts of GVW’s sewer network and they are continuing to monitor the situation, but the system remains operational.

If you have any issues or emergencies with your GVW services or notice any potential spills please call anytime on 1800 454 500 or visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/service-interruptions

UPDATE, 9.35am: Emergency payments for flood victims

The Victorian Government has announced emergency payments for people whose homes have been impacted by flooding, to help with food, shelter, clothing and medication.

The one-off payments are $560 per adult and $280 per child for affected household.

The online application form is available at emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au

UPDATE, 9.30am: Shepparton could reach levels close to 1974

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its advice for the Goulburn River.

It says major flooding is likely at Shepparton from late Saturday morning, with flood levels close to the May 1974 flood peak of 12.09m possible on Tuesday.

Major flooding is expected at Murchison from this evening, the Goulburn is at 9.84m and rising with minor flooding already.

It is likely to exceed the major flood level of 10.7m this evening, and may reach near to 12m tomorrow.

UPDATE, 9.10am: Flooding to remain at Seymour

The Goulburn River at Seymour peaked about 3am today at 8.26 metres and is now falling.

However, the river is likely to remain above the major flood level of 7 metres today and into the weekend.

River levels will remain high as water from the upper Goulburn arrive, but flood levels are not expected to exceed this morning’s peak.

Some of the historical data for context; the May 1974 flood reached a level of 7.64 metres.

At this height, 187 homes and businesses were affected with flooding above the height of floor level.

There were 279 homes and businesses that become isolated by flooding due to roads and property flooding.

UPDATE, 9am: Latest on the situation in Seymour

Our deputy editor Max Stainkamph is in Seymour this morning and says floodwaters are starting to recede.

People are able to enter shops that have been sandbagged up.

Tallarook St is blocked and completely flooded, while access to large parts of town north of the railway has also been blocked.

He spoke to a local who has lived in town for 65 years and said he hasn’t seen flooding with this much water, but that the 1974 floods were more damaging because it came mostly through the creek, rather than the Goulburn.

Here’s a video Max took not long ago.

UPDATE, 8.40am: Advice for Goulburn downstream of Shepparton

A minor flood warning is being issued for the Goulburn River downstream of Shepparton.

Widespread flooding is happening along the Goulburn River due to heavy rainfall in the past two days.

The river has peaked at Seymour above the record flood level from May 1974.

Major flooding is happening along the Acheron River, Yea River, Hughes Creek and Sunday Creek.

Downstream of Shepparton, the Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge is at 8.23m and steady, below the minor flood level where it is expected to remain today.

River level rises are expected over the weekend however, as upstream floodwaters arrive.

UPDATE, 8.20am: Flood warning for Kialla West

A moderate flood warning has been issued for the Castle Creek catchment with major flooding continuing at Euroa.

According to the advice, major flooding will extend to Kialla West from Saturday morning.

UPDATE, 7.40am: A look around Seymour

Deputy editor Max Stainkamph has his gumboots on in Seymour and has posted some photos and video from the streets.

UPDATE, 7.30am: Advice updated for Goulburn River

Major flooding is currently occuring at Seymour.

The latest Vic Emergency alert states that flood levels have peaked in town, with the high water line now on the way towards Shepparton.

Major flooding is likely at Shepparton from Saturday afternoon.

The Goulburn at Murchison is currently at 9.67m and rising, it is likely to exceed the major flood level (10.7m) tonight.

The Goulburn at Shepparton is currently at 9.31m and rising, and is expected to hit the minor flood level later this morning.

It is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (10.7m) tomorrow morning and likely to reach the major flood level of 11m tomorrow afternoon.

Further rises are expected as upsteam floodwaters arrive.

UPDATE, 7.05am: Surveying the scene in Seymour

Seymour residents north of the rail line have been told its too late to leave as the town has been inundated by its biggest flood on record.

The Goulburn River is at 8.1m and still rising, with Seymour recording 55mm from 9am Thursday to 7am Friday, and 85mm from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday.

Max Stainkamph and Bianca Hall are about to have a look around town and will keep you posted.

State Emergency Services volunteers in Seymour were called out to more than two dozen jobs overnight, including one rescue operation, and we’re waiting to hear back on exactly how many jobs and how many people were evacuated.

UPDATE, 6.50am: Sandbags in Shepparton

Sandbags are expected to be available from Kialla Recreation Reserve at the Raftery Rd entry point from 10am today.

Major flooding is expected for Shepparton and its surrounds tomorrow afternoon.

The best time to prepare is now.

UPDATE, 6.45am: Seymour update

Vic Emergency has alerted that it is too late to leave for those in the evacuation zone in Seymour.

UPDATE, 6.25am: Benalla in photos this morning

Benalla Ensign editor Simon Ruppert has provided some pictorial updates of Benalla this morning.

Follow the link below to see them.

UPDATE, Friday 6.15am: Road closure updates in Shepparton, too late to leave Lake Benalla

Greater Shepparton City Council has updated its road closure list this morning.

Grace Rd in Shepparton has been added, as have roads in Tallygaroopna and Kialla West.

See the full list in the link below.

Vic Emergency has also warned that it is now too late to leave the low-lying areas around Lake Benalla between Benalla and Baddiginnie.

UPDATE, Friday 6.10am: Reference points

The Goulburn River at Shepparton is currently (as of 4.58am) at 9.3m and trending steadily.

This is below minor flooding level, which is 9.5m.

For those who remember, the 2011 flood level was 9.82m, the 2012 9.96m and the 2010 11.09m.

The 1993 flood level reached 11.71m and the Goulburn-dominant 1974 flood was 12.09m at its peak.

Here’s a handy link to see the current river levels across the region - http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDV60150.html

UPDATE, Friday 5.55am: A look ahead

As we await more emergency updates, rain gauges to tick over to the next 24-hour period and my children to hear me tapping away and wake up, let’s look across the weekend.

Bowls and cricket have both been cancelled in Shepparton by their local governing associations, with a few more important things to be worried about for most members.

The sports desk have still been busy though, writing up features for the now-very-timely release of the shortlist for Cricket Shepparton’s Team of the Century.

In positive rainfall news for Shepparton, after an expected 0-4mm today there is 0mm of rain predicted for both Saturday and Sunday.

Although this does not alleviate much of the impending water bearing down on us, it will hopefully mean flood peaks don’t hang around for too long.

Less positively, Vic Emergency is forecasting that Rochester’s flood event is likely to last between 7-10 days.

UPDATE, Friday 5.30am: Services affected

Along with road closures, all V/Line train, scheduled and replacement coach services will not run today on the Shepparton, Seymour, Albury, Echuca and Swan Hill lines due to the flooding across the region.

As noted yesterday as well, some schools in Shepparton have asked parents to keep students at home today - including Notre Dame College and St Anne’s College Kialla.

A flood alert has also just popped up for Doyles Rd, Kialla.

That reminds me - watch out for potholes and worsening road conditions across the region today.

There were many reports of blown tyres due to huge potholes opening up from the masses of water around.

Keep your headlights on and slow down, but as Vic Roads is advising on its website - please defer all non-essential travel if possible.

UPDATE, Friday 4.55am: Watch and act in place for Orrvale, situation worsens overnight

Good morning, Tyler Maher here to kick off the live blog for this Friday, October 14.

The alerts from Vic Emergency have been coming thick and fast through the wee hours of the morning.

A Watch and Act notification for Orrvale residents to move to higher ground has just been sent out (at 4.19am) with moderate flooding likely today and possible major flooding likely overnight.

Widespread rainfall totals of up to 120mm across the Broken River catchment over the past 24 hours are contributing to strong river rises upstream of Benalla.

As this moves downstream, areas all the way from Benalla to Kialla along the river could be affected by increasingly high flood waters.

The Broken River at Orrvale is currently at 4.44m at rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level (6.8m) later this morning and moderate flood level (7.2m) this afternoon.

Evacuation orders are also in place for Benalla in the low-lying areas around Lake Benalla, Seymour in various sections of the township and Rochester.

A move to higher ground advice order is also in place for Euroa between Seymour and Benalla, with major flooding imminent at Strathbogie, Galls Gap Rd and Euroa.

Photos from the Euroa Bowls Club this morning show the clubhouse well and truly submerged by water.

It is expected that the Kialla Recreation Reserve will again be the pickup point for sandbags in Greater Shepparton today, but there has been no official word yet.

I’ll have a more succinct wrap of the story so far from across the region as the morning progress (and the coffee kicks in) but in the meantime you can follow the links below.

Stay safe.