Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:37 pm Friday, 28 January 2022.

Severe thunderstorms are moving into the northeastern and eastern parts of Victoria

Weather Situation: Severe thunderstorms are forming in a very humid environment and are expected to produce very heavy to locally intense rainfall, damaging winds and locally large hail.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Country, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Euroa, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Mt Buller.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the East Gippsland, Northern Country, North East and parts of the Mallee, North Central and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Shepparton, Seymour, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and Orbost.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Central district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Recent rainfall observations include:

Springvale West 36 mm in 60 minutes

Clayton South 37 mm in 60 minutes

Briagolong (Freestone Creek) 40.6 mm in 30 minutes (to 6 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.