Torrential Rains Drench Victoria as Storms Flood Streets, Cut Power and Disrupt Events

Heavy rain and fierce thunderstorms have swept across Victoria, soaking drought‑stricken paddocks, flooding streets and triggering widespread power failures with forecasters warning that more wild weather is on the way. The Bureau of Meteorology reported intense rainfall across the state’s north‑west, including a staggering 126 millimetres in Horsham between Friday morning and Sunday morning. Of that, 96 millimetres fell in just a few hours on Friday night as thunderstorms hammered the region.

Further north, Mildura recorded its wettest March day on record, with 65.8 millimetres falling by Sunday morning. A severe weather warning remains in place for the Mallee, Northern Country, Wimmera and parts of Central, South West, North Central and North East Victoria, with authorities urging residents to stay alert.

The wild conditions caused power outages that left businesses scrambling. In one Horsham restaurant, head chef Clarke said the blackout turned the kitchen into a “massive hot box” with no fans or air‑conditioning. Staff resorted to phone torches and rechargeable lamps to finish meals for the last diners. “I told the customers to please be patient and they were amazing,” she said. “For the pepper berry Scotch fillet, I just heated up potatoes in a pan because the deep fryer was out.”

The downpour also hit the 150km Feast, a major culinary celebration of local produce. Event director Andrea Cross said the storm created the toughest challenge she had ever faced in her career, as organisers battled flooding, electrical issues and logistical chaos.

With more rain expected, emergency services are urging Victorians to prepare for further disruptions as the state braces for another round of severe weather.