Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 9:17 pm Sunday, 24 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms continue across the northwest and the central parts this evening.

Weather Situation: A developing surface low through western Victoria is generating thunderstorms through northwest Victoria and along the ranges this evening in a moist and unstable airmass.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Ouyen, Rainbow and Walpeup.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the North Central and parts of the Central, Northern Country, North East, Mallee, South West and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Melbourne, Wodonga and Wangaratta.

Shepparton Airport recorded a wind gust of 94 km/h at 7:50 pm.

Tatura Inst. recorded a wind gust of 94 km/h at 7:40 pm.

St.Arnaud recorded 28 mm rainfall in the hour to 5:30 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.