Great Ocean Road Floods Show a Dangerous New Reality for Extreme Weather
Good evening and tonight we’re focusing on the devastating flash flooding along Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road, a disaster that unfolded fast and left communities stunned.
In just a few hours, popular coastal towns in Victoria saw roads turn into rivers. Cars and caravans were swept away, some dragged straight toward the ocean. Campgrounds flooded, people were rescued by emergency crews and families watched helplessly as water tore through places that are normally calm holiday escapes.
What made this event so shocking was the sheer volume of rain. Some areas recorded close to six months’ worth of rainfall in only a few hours. This wasn’t a slow, rising flood. This was a sudden, violent surge, the kind that gives little warning and even less time to react.
So why did this happen and why does it feel like we’re seeing this more often?
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Scientists say Australia has always lived with extremes, droughts and floods are part of the country’s history. But what’s changing is the intensity. As the planet warms, the atmosphere is heating up and warmer air can hold more moisture. Think of it like a sponge. The warmer it gets, the more water it can soak up. And when the conditions are right, that water comes down hard.
In this case, a rare combination of weather factors collided. Moisture left behind by a former tropical cyclone drifted south. A powerful thunderstorm formed over the ocean. Strong winds pushed it inland toward the Otway Ranges. As the storm was forced upward over the hills, even more rain was squeezed out. The result was a concentrated burst of rainfall that overwhelmed everything in its path.
There’s another factor too. Much of this region has been very dry for years. When soil is parched, it can’t absorb sudden heavy rain. Water rushes straight over the surface, carrying mud, debris and vehicles with it. That’s why flash flooding can be so destructive, even after long dry spells.
Experts are careful not to say climate change “caused” this single storm. Weather is complex and many forces are always at play. But they are confident about the bigger picture. Extreme rainfall events are becoming heavier. Short, intense downpours are getting more powerful. And the most dangerous floods are becoming more severe.
The impact goes beyond damaged roads and lost cars. Infrastructure struggles to cope. Emergency services are stretched. And for communities, the emotional toll can linger long after the water recedes.
This is a stark reminder that the risks are changing and preparation matters more than ever. We’ll continue to follow the recovery along the Great Ocean Road and the growing conversation about how communities adapt to a more volatile climate.
Stay with us for ongoing updates and thanks for watching.
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