Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:11 pm Friday, 18 October 2024.

Severe thunderstorms developing over parts of central and northeast Victoria.

Weather Situation: A deep low pressure system situated over southwestern Victoria is moving eastwards across southern Victoria, with a warm and humid airmass ahead of it, supporting the development of severe thunderstorms today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Seymour, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Traralgon.

26.0 mm was recorded at Elsternwick in 30 minutes to 12:00 pm

48.4 mm was recorded at Mount Buffalo Chalet in the 3 hours to 11:53am

27.0 mm was recorded at Gardiners Creek at Gardiner in 30 minutes to 11:45 am

35.2 mm was recorded at Frankston in 2 hours to 11:45 am

22.8 mm was recorded at Wooloomanata in 60 minutes to 10:00 am

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.