Major flood warnings for East Gippsland as severe weather thrashes Victoria's east coast

Large parts of eastern Victoria are bracing for potentially dangerous flash flooding.  (ABC News)

Victorian authorities have urged East Gippsland residents to monitor flooding as heavy rain and damaging winds continue to pose a threat this afternoon.

Watch and act warnings have been issued for communities near Cann River, Buchan River, Bemm River, Genoa River and the Snowy River downstream of McKillops Bridge.

The same alerts have also been issued for the Mitchell River to Glenaladale and the Tambo River. 

Residents have been urged to move to higher ground as a safety precaution.

State Emergency Service (SES) incident controller Diana Batley said the intense rain was accompanied by damaging winds.

Water levels at the Cann River have slowly risen overnight. (Supplied: Graham Madden)

Ms Batley said that while the flooding was not expected to reach the extent of what has been occurring in northern New South Wales, it could still be dangerous.

"Keep an eye on the weather forecast and the river levels online. If the floodwaters are dangerous, please never drive in floodwaters. Decide if you will evacuate, and ensure that you do have family members and neighbours that are aware of your situation," she said. 

Water cuts off roads 

Owner of the Cann River Hotel Graham Madden said he was concerned about the road conditions for drivers. 

"It has blocked one lane completely. We had to go right near the guardrail just to sneak past it. 

Drivers have been warned to steer clear of floodwaters.  (ABC News)

"If a bit more rain comes down it will probably slide more and block the whole road near Mount Drummer. 

"There's so much brown mud in some parts going over the road, it's pretty dangerous," he said.

Drivers can check the VicTraffic website for updated information about specific road closures. 

Marine wind warnings have also been issued for East Gippsland. (Supplied: Michael York)

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Christie Johnson told ABC Radio Melbourne conditions are expected to ease early Monday morning.

"The real peak of the weather will be today and overnight into tomorrow morning and then tomorrow morning that low pressure system will move away and things will ease." 

Advice warnings are also in place for the South Gippsland rivers and the Thompson, Avon and Macalister rivers in Central Gippsland.

Those affected are urged to stay informed by checking the VicEmergency app for updates.