Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in West and South Gippsland and parts of Central, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central and North East Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:00 pm Tuesday, 13 February 2024.

Severe thunderstorms occuring across Victoria.

Weather Situation: A trough will cross the state today, with gusty severe thunderstorms likely ahead of this feature.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the West and South Gippsland and parts of the Central, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca, Shepparton, Seymour, Wangaratta, Morwell, Traralgon, Warragul, Sale, Moe and Maffra.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the West and South Gippsland district. Locations which may be affected include Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Moe and Yarram.

130 km/h wind gust recorded at Mt Gellibrand at 11:35 am.

122 km/h wind gust recorded at Avalon airport at 2:19 pm.

117 km/h wind gust recorded at Swan Hill at 4:22 pm.

115 km/h wind gust recorded at Fawkner Beacon at 3:09 pm.

106 km/h wind gust recorded at Frankston at 3:11 pm.

102 km/h wind gust recorded at Point Wilson at 2:22 pm.

98 km/h wind gust recorded at Melbourne Airport at 3:17 pm.

98 km/h wind gust recorded at Mt William at 9:41 am.

93 km/h wind gust recorded at Hopetoun Airport at 3:33 pm.

93 km/h wind gust recorded at Kilmore Gap at 4:13 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.