Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Port Phillip waters, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula and Western Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 7:55 pm Sunday, 2 February 2025.

INTENSE RAINFALL IS OCCURRING NEAR LARA NORTH OF GEELONG THIS EVENING.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:40 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds was detected near Lara and the You Yangs. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Beacon Point, the area east of Lara and the area west of Werribee by 8:10 pm and Little River by 8:40 pm.

35.4 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT LARA IN THE 1 HOUR TO 7:33 PM.

96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Frankston Beach at 7:29 pm.

90 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon Airport at 6:47 pm.

22.4 mm of rainfall was recorded at Geelong Racecourse in the 30 minutes to 7:00 pm.

19.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Moolap in the 30 minutes to 7:04 pm.

124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Gellibrand (west of Geelong) at 5:23 pm.

2cm hailstones were observed at Tootgarook around 2:30 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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.