Flash floods triggered by record-breaking rainfall swept through Victoria’s Great Ocean Road on Thursday, January 15, 2026, washing away cars and caravans, displacing hundreds, and prompting emergency rescues. No injuries were reported despite the severity of the event.
On Thursday afternoon, a severe storm system unleashed torrential rain on the coastal communities along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The downpour, which exceeded 180 millimeters in six hours at Mount Cowley, smashed previous daily rainfall records and caused rapid flash flooding. Areas including Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, and Cumberland River were hit hard, with floodwaters surging through caravan parks and roads within minutes.
The flooding led to dramatic scenes as cars were swept out to sea, with aerial footage capturing vehicles bobbing in the ocean. Emergency services estimated that 10 to 20 cars were washed away, and up to 400 people were displaced from low-lying areas, many of them holiday-makers. At least six people were rescued, including two men winched to safety by air units, but fortunately, no injuries or missing persons were reported.
Authorities attributed the intense rainfall to a combination of high atmospheric moisture and an upper-level trough, influenced by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji from Queensland. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Angus Hines explained that the humid air lifting over the Otway Ranges condensed into heavy rain, targeting the south coast area. This localized storm was the most severe in the state, highlighting the unpredictable nature of flash flooding.
Warnings were issued throughout the day, with the Bureau of Meteorology escalating alerts from severe storm warnings to life-threatening flash flooding alerts. VicEmergency declared Watch and Act warnings, and 10,000 people received emergency texts. The first Triple Zero call came at 1:08 PM, and despite the rapid onset, officials believe the warnings were adequate, though the event was unprecedented.
Clean-up efforts began on Friday morning, with communities facing a daunting task as cars remained lodged in rivers, campgrounds were turned to mudflats, and debris choked waterways. The Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park and other facilities are expected to be closed for weeks due to damage and contamination. Relief centres were set up in Lorne and Apollo Bay to assist displaced residents and tourists.
The flooding occurred amidst contrasting weather threats, as some areas near the Otways were also battling bushfires earlier in the week. Surf Coast Shire councillor Leon Walker noted the irony of transitioning from fire emergencies to floods, emphasizing the community’s resilience. The event has raised concerns about climate volatility and the need for heightened preparedness in tourist-heavy regions.
Looking ahead, the weather system is moving towards Gippsland in eastern Victoria, with forecasts of additional rain. Authorities urge vigilance, as wet ground increases the risk of landslips and further hazards. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the importance of emergency planning and community awareness.
