Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Echuca, Kyneton, Dayleford and the Macedon Ranges are all expected to be affected. 

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones.

The Victorian Department of Health & Human Services has also expanded the alert area for moderate thunderstorm asthma 

The Victoria 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.

-Stay indoors if possible.

- Avoid using the phone during the storm.

- If you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees

- Listen to the radio for storm updates

- Switch off your computer and electrical appliances

10.25am Friday: There is a forecasted moderate risk of thunderstorm asthma today. 

A moderate risk (or orange) forecast means that one of the elements necessary for an event may be present, such as a high pollen count or a severe thunderstorm storm

Those at increased risk should

- avoid exposure to any storms that may emerge, especially the wind gusts that precede them

- have a reliever appropriately available (as discussed with your doctor or pharmacist) 

- remind themselves of their asthma action plan and asthma first aid

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Earlier: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50-60 km/h with peak gusts of 90-100 km/h are expected across southern and mountain areas today. Gusts around 110 km/h are likely across Alpine peaks.

It comes as Bendigo enjoys refreshing morning showers after a warm night.

The barometer is expected to top 31 degrees today. There is a chance of thunderstorms this morning and this afternoon, according the the Bureau of Meteorology.

Bendigo and Maryborough may be among the areas affected by strong wind gusts.

Other locations across the state’s sough include Warrnambool, Seymour, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

Strong wind gusts have already been recorded in Victoria. They have included:

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 

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