Update: Friday 2pm: Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is expected over a warning area east of Maryborough on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
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The rain will initially be over central areas of Victoria, but later extend to Gippsland and Alpine areas.
The BOM said that snow falls continue to be forcecast in the Central Victoria area above 1000 metres, including around the Macedon Ranges and Maryborough.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, are expected to gradually move east to affect the central and north central districts of Victoria between 1pm and 5pm on Friday. These damaging winds are likely to ease from the west later on Friday.
In Central Victoria winds will be southwesterly 25km/h to 40 km/h increasing to 35 kmh/ to 50 km/h in the middle of the day then turning southerly in the late afternoon.
The daytime maximum temperatures are expected to sit between 11C and 14C.
Earlier. Friday 7am: A severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rain remains in place for parts of the region this morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to move into the Central and North Central forecast districts – which include Castlemaine, Maryborough, Kyneton and Daylesford – on Friday afternoon.
Heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding is also expected.
The bureau will issue an update by 11am.
The bureau has also warned of conditions that could pose a threat to sheep.
Sheep graziers are advised that cold temperatures, heavy rain and showers and strong southerly winds are expected during Friday, and sheep and lambs exposed to these conditions could be lost.
The warning applies to the Northern Country, North Central and Central forecast districts, among others.
Since 9am yesterday, Bendigo has seen 2.6 millimetres of rain, while 7 millimetres has been recorded at Redesdale.
UPDATE 5.15pm: Batten down the hatches, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning damaging winds will cross the state later this evening.
BOM says winds of 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely to develop near the far southwest coast late this afternoon and evening, then gradually move east on Friday to affect the central and north central districts and later the Gippsland and Alpine areas.
Heavy rain may lead to flash flooding on Friday morning, initially over the western and central areas but later extending to Gippsland and the Alpine areas.
Rainfall totals of 50 to 100mm are expected across parts of the central ranges during Friday and early Saturday.
Locations which may be most affected include Warrnambool, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
The strongest wind gusts recorded to 4.30pm Thursday, include:
- 95 km/h at Cape Nelson at 3.42pm
- 83 km/h at Mt Gambier (South Australia) at 3.14pm.
We repeat our earlier advice from the SES:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;
- Keep clear of fallen power lines;
- Don't walk, ride or drive through flood water;
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks;
- Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Update: 3.30pm Thursday. Snow has started to fall in the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford areas down to 600m.
Snow has been falling in the areas around Lyonville, Bullarto and Mt Macedon.
The Bureau of Meteorology this afternoon revised its snow forecast to include blizzards in alpine areas.
Hail has also been spotted in the Bendigo and Rochester areas.
The BOM this afternoon continued to issue severe weather warnings, with the front moving across the state full of showers, small hail and isolated thunderstorms.
The temperature has dropped across the area, with Bendigo currently on 9C, Castlemaine 8C and the Daylesford area 4C.
Warnings remain in place for rain and damaging wind gusts of up to 100 km per hour extending from southeast South Australia and through Victoria on Friday.
The bitterly cold wintery weather will continue to move across Victoria and southern New South Wales during Thursday and Friday.
For many places it will be the coldest period since last September.
Earlier: A severe weather warning have been issued for heavy rain and damaging winds of up to 100km/h through Central Victoria ahead of a weather front due to hit on Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology said that flash flooding is expected Friday morning in the area east of Stawell, initially over western and central areas.
Rainfall totals of 50 to 100mm are expected across parts of the Central Ranges during Friday and early Saturday, with Maryborough, Castelmaine, Daylesford and Macedon likely to be affected.
The wintry weather will arrive on Thursday, with local hail, rain and thunder predicted for Bendigo, with winds of 20 km/h to 30 km/h during the afternoon and a top of 13C.
Castlemaine, Maryborough and Macedon can expect snow falling above 800 metres, with the chance of a thunderstorm on Thursday. Hail is also predicted from late morning. The temperature is expected to a high of between 9C and 13C in all three areas on Thursday and Friday.
Winds will be westerly 20 to 30 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h late Thursday afternoon.
Coastal areas will feel the brunt of the storm front this afternoon with Central Victoria affected as the system forming in the Bass Strait moves across the state. Gusts in alpine areas are expected to peak at around 120km/h.
Sheep graziers have also been warned that cold temperatures, rain and showers and westerly winds are expected during Thursday. All Victorian districts are likely to be affected. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;
- Keep clear of fallen power lines;
- Don't walk, ride or drive through flood water;
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks; Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads
Related stories: Snow, gales to hit Bendigo and Central Victoria
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