Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:33 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE RAINFALL OVER PARTS OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT AND EASTERN ALPS. Other severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation: Slow-moving thunderstorms are continuing in a very humid environment, bringing heavy to intense rainfall to parts of Victoria this afternoon.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central, East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford and Corryong.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Central, South West and parts of the Mallee, North Central, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Bacchus Marsh, Ouyen and Daylesford.

44.0 MM WAS RECORDED AT LILYDALE LAKE IN THE 60 MINUTES TO 5:00 PM.

21.6 mm was recorded at Mt Evelyn in the 30 minutes to 5:00 pm.

30.6 mm was recorded at Gibbo River in the 60 minutes to 4:00 pm.

24.2 mm was recorded at Tambo River (Swifts Creek) in the 30 minutes to 2:00 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.