Source: Bureau of Meteorology

for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in parts of Northern, Western and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 1:13 pm Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall approaching from the northwest.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:15 pm, a severe thunderstorm likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near the area north of Ballarat, the area west of Daylesford and Creswick. This thunderstorm is moving towards the southeast. It is forecast to affect Melton, Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Brisbane Ranges and Sydenham West by 2:15 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.