VICTORIANS have been urged to reconsider visiting parks and forests this weekend, with very heavy rainfall and flooding expected.

Department of Sustainability and Environment state duty officer Mark Woodman said rainfall of up to 100-150mm, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds were predicted in some areas for the state.

The worst conditions were expected in north-east Victoria.

"Anyone intending on visiting parks and forests this weekend is reminded that as well as flooding risks of swollen rivers and creeks, heavy rain increases the risk of landslips and falling rocks or tree limbs in our parks and forests,” Mr Woodman said.

"We strongly advise that people reconsider plans to visit parks and forests this weekend. Particularly they should avoid low lying areas which might become flooded and elevated and alpine areas which are likely to experience landslips, fallen trees and very strong winds.

"For their own safety visitors need to take extreme care if they do need to be there and take note of the latest advice and forecasts by tuning into emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, UGFM community radio, commercial radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television.

"Rivers, creeks and waterways can rise very quickly - people should not camp close to waterways or try to walk, ride or drive through flooded areas.

"People should also avoid parking, sheltering or camping under trees which may be weakened, particularly if they are fire damaged and susceptible to limbs or whole trees falling.

"Trees that have been fire damaged in areas burnt at any stage over the last decade or so, are at high risk in this type of severe weather.

"In these conditions, our visitors need to be aware that some tracks and sites may need to be closed at short notice.

"There is potential for people to become isolated in areas of park or forest if roads and tracks which become impassable due to flooding, trees or other debris."

  • For more information about the current emergency situation phone the SES Flood Information Line on 1300 842 737 (1300 VIC SES)