A severe storm in Australia’s Victoria state triggered flash flooding, forcing the famed Great Ocean Road to close and sweeping cars out to sea. Video: ReutersHundreds of people have evacuated a major camping ground in Australia after a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding at Wye River in Victoria, closed a major scenic tourism road and washed cars out to sea. The general store had also been flooded in Wye River, she said, but other structures appeared to be safe. Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan, said the footage coming out of Wye River was “terrifying”. “I’m thinking of the community and campers along the Great Ocean Road tonight,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

Source: The Irish Times January 15, 2026 16:01 UTC