South east coast braces for "devastating" rain blast and floods

Australia's south-east coast is bracing for a devastating 200mm rain blast with 'life-threatening' floods and powerful winds on the way for millions of residents.

The Daily Mail reports satellite images capture a massive cloud band extending 5,000 kilometres from the Tropical Indian Ocean to continental Australia - with Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales affected.

Forecasters have warned that persistent and heavy rain will soak most of Victoria during the next 48 hours, with flood warnings also in place. 

The website reported sandbagging was underway in the town of Rochester, in central Victoria, which is forecast to essentially get 'cut in half' should the nearby Campapse River overflow. It's feared as many as 700 homes could be flooded.  

Meanwhile, Tasmania's State Emergency Service has called on Tasmanians, particularly those in the north and northwest, to be prepared for intense rainfall, damaging winds, and potential flooding from tonight. 

Southern NSW will also be affected in the next couple of days, likely causing or exacerbating existing flooding in the state. 

Read the full report here.

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