Major Flash Flooding Event - On 15 January 2026, the Wye River estuary experienced a severe flash-flood event following an intense thunderstorm over the upper catchment. Heavy rainfall fell over a very short period, with approximately 170–180 mm recorded within several hours, causing the river to rise extremely rapidly. The most intense rainfall and flooding occurred from late morning through the early to mid-afternoon, with peak floodwaters moving through the township and estuary during the afternoon. Fast-moving water overtopped the riverbanks, carrying large volumes of sediment, vegetation and debris, with some material flushed through the estuary mouth into the ocean.

The flooding was driven by exceptional rainfall intensity over steep terrain, resulting in rapid runoff and minimal warning time. Hundreds of people, including residents and holiday-makers in caravan parks and low-lying areas, were affected, with emergency evacuations required to higher ground. Impacts relevant to the estuary included a sudden and major freshwater inflow, significant sediment and debris transport, likely short-term deterioration in water quality, and physical disturbance to the estuary channel and river mouth.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-16/flooding-great-ocean-road-victoria-wye-river-lorne/106232918

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-16/vic-what-caused-great-ocean-road-flash-flooding/106235904

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-16/wye-river-flood-castlemaine-harcourt-fires/106236018

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/15/river-wye-flooding-victoria-great-ocean-road-cars-washed-away

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/flash-flooding-hits-australias-victoria-state-cars-washed-out-sea-2026-01-15/

https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/vic/2026/01/15/storms-victoria

https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/vic/2026/01/16/flash-flood-carnage

https://www.9news.com.au/national/cars-swept-to-sea-as-flash-flooding-inundates-victorian-holiday-hotspot/385245a1-107c-408c-9da4-18063c853c91

https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/victoria-great-ocean-road-flash-flooding-cars-swept-out-to-sea/

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/off-the-charts-flash-flood-sweeps-cars-out-to-sea-in-vic-20260115-p5nugb

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/take-shelter-flood-warning-issued-for-lorne-wye-river-as-severe-thunderstorm-hits/news-story/8af86fbae22601699cc63a46bc4dc6b1

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/wye-river-super-storm-sweeps-dozens-of-cars-and-caravans-out-to-sea/news-story/844ae754ebdb65fc8b6e812bb4964fc5