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Flash Floods in Melbourne

On January 29, 2004, flash floods struck several inner-city Melbourne suburbs, soaking roads, homes and businesses in up to half a metre of water in some areas.

State Emergency Services (SES) announced the freak storm hit first at 1pm (AEDT) and then again at 5pm, dumping more than 60mm of rain in just under an hour each time. It was noted that more than the monthly average of rain came down in an hour and was described as though waster was basically poured from a bucket over those whole areas.

The worst-affected areas were St Albans and Deer Park in the city's north-east, and the inner-eastern suburbs of Malvern, Kew and Hawthorn.

The SES received more than 450 calls from distressed residents, several whose homes had been severely water-logged due to blocked drains. A childcare centre was evacuated after suffering structural damage from the flooding, while a pet shop in the same area lost part of its roof.

SES flood rescue boats were sent to help people reportedly trapped in cars on the Monash Freeway but the water subsided before they arrived. Two buildings were also hit by lightning. According to the SES, up to 35 emergency crews were involved in rescue missions.

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