MELBOURNE, VIC. — The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:50 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Bacchus Marsh, Brisbane Ranges and the area northeast of Marysville.
These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Craigieburn, Geelong City, Melton, St Albans, Sunbury, Werribee and Footscray by 2:20 pm and Dandenong, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Greensborough, Melbourne City, Preston, Rosebud, Caulfield and Ringwood by 2:50 pm.
A broad surface trough and deepening low pressure system are expected to move through the state today. Scattered severe thunderstorms have developed and are moving through central parts of the state, likely reaching eastern districts later in the afternoon.
Safety advice
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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central, Northern Country, North Central, North East and parts of the Mallee, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland districts.
Other warnings may be current.
Current observations include:
A 94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 12:55 pm;
93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 11:16 am;
61.0 mm was recorded at Ovens River (Harrietville) in the 6 hours to 12:45 pm;
42.4 mm was recorded at Halls (Buckland River) in the 2 hours to 10:15 am;
38.4 mm was recorded at Edi Upper in the 1 hour to 9:17 am; and
27.4 mm was recorded at Mount Buffalo Chalet in the 30 minutes to 9:01 am.
Residents are urged to check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210.
