Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in North East and parts of East Gippsland and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:07 pm Tuesday, 16 January 2024.
Heavy rainfall developing about the northeast during Wednesday.

Weather Situation: A very humid airmass drawn from the tropics will move over Victoria during Wednesday. This airmass will lift ahead of an approaching cold front, resulting in areas of rain with embedded heavy shower and thunderstorm activity.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the North East and far northern parts of Gippsland from late Wednesday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 50 to 80 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals of 80 to 120 mm possible.
Isolated areas of INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE
THREATENING FLASH FLOODING may also occur with persistent heavy showers and thunderstorms, with six-hourly totals exceeding 100 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected within the warning area.
Conditions are forecast to ease from the west during Wednesday night.

Locations which may be affected include Wodonga, Corryong, Bright, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

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.