Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:10 pm Monday, 10 March 2025.

A VERY DANGEROUS STORM WITH INTENSE RAINFALL IS OCCURRING NEAR STAWELL

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable atmosphere has produced thunderstorms in the far south west of the State this evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the South West, Wimmera and North Central districts. Locations which may be affected include Stawell and Ararat.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the South West and parts of the Central, Northern Country, North Central, Wimmera and Mallee districts. Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Maryborough and Ballarat.

32 mm WAS RECORDED AT STAWELL IN THE 3O MINUTES TO 10:50 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.