Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:25 pm Saturday, 11 January 2025.

LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL WITH THUNDERSTORMS OVER EAST GIPPSLAND

Weather Situation: A moist unstable airmass over central and eastern Victoria is producing slow moving showers and thunderstorms with localised heavy to intense rainfall.

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 East Gippsland district. Locations which may be affected include Orbost, Buchan and Gelantipy.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Morwell, Traralgon, Warragul, Moe and Mt Baw Baw.

31.6mm recorded at Latrobe Valley in the 30 mins to 4:05pm.

28.8mm recorded at Buchan in the 30 mins to 4:30pm.

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.