Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:46 pm Sunday, 12 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms have developed over eastern Victoria.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms are occurring in a moist unstable airmass ahead of a trough moving eastwards through central and eastern Victoria today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Bright, Dargo, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Central, Northern Country and North Central districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

24.6 mm recorded at Melbourne (Olympic Park) in the 30 minutes to 12:45pm.

28.4 mm recorded at Reeves Knob in the 1 hour to 1:30pm.

27.4 mm recorded at Mount Moornapa in the 30 minutes to 2:25pm.

29 mm recorded at Stradbroke West in the 30 minutes to 3:03pm.

34.4 mm recorded at East Sale in the 30 minutes to 3:30pm.

91 km/h wind gust recorded at East Sale Airport at 3:04pm

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.