Spring rains cause flash flooding in central Victoria

Spring rains have lashed central Victoria overnight with flash flooding seen across the region.

In Bendigo, 38.6 millimetres fell overnight, with 36mm in Maldon, and 22mm at Avonmore. 

Natalie Stanway, deputy controller with the Bendigo SES, said it was busy into the night, but not as busy as last week when they had more than 70 calls for assistance after damaging winds.

"So no roofs coming off or anything like that," she said.

"Building damage was the biggest issue. There were properties where tiles had shifted, downpipes were not maintained, and water on the ground which couldn't get away quick enough threatening to enter homes."

Powercor said thousands of central Victorian properties lost power last night but has since been restored.

Farmers rejoice

Jordan Collin, who runs Huntly Organics, said the rain was scarier last week because the combination of wind and hail was more worrying, especially for growing zucchinis and cucumbers.

"It wasn't that bad, fortunately. Looked like the farm was underwater though," he said of the overnight rain.

Mr Collin said it was the spring rains they were hoping for.

"It's already started to dissipate. It's turned out to be a good thing," he said.

"We just turned out lucky this time. It's just given us a really good water."

Farmers are now bracing for more rain on Saturday. 

"If we get a few sunny days gap it'll be okay to have rain on the weekend, but hopefully not as heavy as this," Mr Collin said.