Family trapped in floodwater under bridge as record rainfall hits Melbourne

A couple and their two children were rescued from rising floodwaters under a bridge after record rainfall that is expected to continue and inundate parts of Victoria at the weekend.

More than 120 calls for help were made to SES on Thursday afternoon as heavy rain swept across Melbourne, mostly in Malvern and Port Phillip.

Two cars were found trapped in floodwaters beneath the York Street bridge in South Melbourne with emergency services arriving on the scene about 3.20pm.

Footage posted to social media showed a large black SUV trying to push through the flash flooding, followed by a second vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

Police rescued occupants in both cars, including a family of four. No injuries were reported by paramedics on the scene. Emergency crews were also called to a canal in Elwood on Thursday, where a truck and van became stuck in floodwaters.

The SES is warning residents across 18 river catchments in north-east Victoria, Gippsland and central Victoria to prepare for minor to moderate flooding from Friday and into the weekend.

“Given the forecast for persistent rain, community members are urged not to drive in these conditions and never enter floodwater,” an SES spokesperson said in a statement.

The warning comes as several areas across Melbourne recorded about 35 millimetres of rain on Thursday, with the city recording nearly half of its average rainfall for October in a single day.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Daniel Hayes said light rain and heavier showers would continue overnight and into Friday morning.

“There is light rain and heavier showers still on the radar across the Melbourne area, so those numbers will likely increase before 9am,” Hayes said. “More rain, showers and storms are expected tomorrow and into Saturday.”

The wet weather coincided with the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show, which is taking place at the Melbourne Showgrounds until Sunday.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.