Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:18 pm Sunday, 25 August 2024.
Severe thunderstorms persist on and behind a cold front moving through the state.

Weather Situation: a strong cold front with strong associated upper-level winds is crossing the state. This high-instability, high-shear environment is producing conditions conducive to severe thunderstorm development, unusual for this time of year. Thunderstorms will be fast moving towards the southeast and are likely to continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne and Wangaratta.

3cm hail observed near Bendigo.

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.