Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 3:24 pm Sunday, 22 November 2020.
DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE WITH THUNDERSTORMS

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms are developing in a hot and unstable air mass over Victoria as a trough deepens over the west.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the Mallee and parts of the East Gippsland, North East and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Ouyen, Murrayville, Rainbow, Walpeup and Robinvale.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the South West district. Locations which may be affected include Hamilton, Casterton and Lake Bolac.

The strongest wind gusts recorded today have been:
- 89 km/h at Yarrawonga 1:06pm
- 87 km/h at Rutherglen 1:44pm
- 78 km/h at Albury Airport at 2:22pm
Casterton recorded 10 mm of rainfall in 9 minutes around 3pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.