A FLOOD watch has been issued for the Latrobe, Thomson, Macalister and Avon river catchments and South Gippsland Basin.
A low pressure system is expected to develop over north-western Victoria later Thursday as an upper level trough approaches the west.
The low will move south-east through central Victoria on Friday morning and should be situated east of Tasmania by Friday night. The low will deepen as it tracks across the south Tasman Sea on Saturday and a high pressure system will move over Bight waters on Sunday.
During Friday afternoon and evening widespread rain with heavy falls are forecast for the West and South Gippsland catchments. Rainfall totals of 30 to 50mm have been forecast with isolated totals of up to 75mm possible on the ranges.
The forecast rainfall is expected to cause stream rises with the possibility of minor flooding developing over the West and South Gippsland catchments during Saturday.
River levels may reach the tops of banks or flow over into low lying areas.
Local roads may be closed and low bridges may be under water.
Caravan parks and camping areas may be flooded, requiring relocation to higher ground.
