Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 9:08 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE RAINFALL OVER THE YARRA VALLEY EXTENDING TO MOUNT BAW BAW. Severe thunderstorms also producing heavy rainfall over northern parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A humid airmass is combining with the passage of a slow moving trough of low-pressure to generate severe thunderstorms this evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next hour in parts of the Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Mt Baw Baw.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee, North East, East Gippsland and Northern Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Robinvale.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also current for Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Northern Country, North East, Wimmera, East Gippsland, Mallee and South West Forecast Districts. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

24.2 mm was recorded at Redesdale in the 30 minutes to 7:30 pm.

26.8 mm was recorded at Kyabram in the 30 minutes to 6:45 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.