Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Port Phillip waters, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 6:29 pm Sunday, 2 February 2025.

Severe thunderstorms in the Greater Geelong area.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:30 pm, a severe thunderstorm likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Geelong City and the area west of Lara. This thunderstorm is moving towards the southeast. It is forecast to affect Lara, Ocean Grove and waters off Geelong City by 7:00 pm and northern parts of the Bellarine Peninsula, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff by 7:30 pm.

124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Gellibrand (west of Geelong) at 5:23 pm.

2cm hailstones were observed at Tootgarook around 2:30 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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.