Numerous flood warnings remain in place across the nation’s most populous states of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania today

The situation is at crisis point in Melbourne, with thousands ordered to evacuate.

As the sun set on Thursday, sirens rang out in towns right across the state and communities were cut off.

The heavy rain has mostly cleared now with scattered showers set to continue throughout the day but flood waters will remain for days if not weeks.

The Maribyrnong River was the latest to break its banks this morning.

Around 500 homes are under water and more than 4,700 without power – with Victorian premier Dan Andrews confirming online disaster payments are now available.

Rescue dinghies are patrolling the flooded streets, helping those who have become stranded by the rising waters.

Truly a mammoth operation for emergency services.

200 flood rescues have been performed by the state’s SES.

Helicopter vision is showing submerged cars, pontoons floating down the river and water inundating roads and buildings.

There is even talk that those residents displaced may need to be housed in a closed former Covid quarantine centre.

It’s an unfolding situation – but for those residents in or around affected areas the message remains clear: get out now.