Source: Bureau of Meteorology
For people in Central, North Central and parts of South West,
Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland, Wimmera,
East Gippsland and Mallee Forecast Districts.
Issued at 10:07 am Monday, 1 April 2024.
Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts developing about parts of
Victoria.
Weather Situation: A strengthening cold front moving across the
southeast of the country will trigger thunderstorms across the west
of the state today. These thunderstorms will develop into a cloud
band during the afternoon and shift east overnight into Tuesday
morning as an upper trough drags down moisture from northern
Australia, leading to a risk of heavy rainfall.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast with
thunderstorms and areas of rain for western parts of the warning
area during the afternoon, shifting to eastern parts overnight into
Tuesday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 50 mm are
likely, with isolated falls of 70 mm possible.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible
across the central and northeastern ranges from this evening.
Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts are forecast to ease below
warning thresholds on Tuesday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Seymour,
Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne.
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.
31/Mar/2024 11:17 PM