The Bureau of Meterology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Victoria, including areas near Echuca.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

2.32pm

Bendigo has avoided severe storms predicted for much of the state including parts of central Victoria with 2mm of rain since 9am.

Elsewhere in the region downpours included 29mm in Trentham within three to six hours, according to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Efron.

“So there was a gradient where rainfall increased south of Bendigo and over the ranges around Macedon,” he said.

It came as a low pressure trough slowed as it moved over the Melbourne area.

An SES spokesperson said metropolitan regions had been the most affected by 2pm, with the area around the Melbourne suburb of Malvern being the busiest in the state.

In the 24 hours to 2pm there have been 413 SES callouts statewide, the spokesperson said. In Bendigo there have been less than 10 callouts to 2pm.

Thunderstorms are developing north and east of Bendigo in the areas towards Rochester and Kerang.

Mr Efron expected those storms to move into the east of the state this afternoon and clear by this evening.

12.42pm

It’s been a wet morning in Donald!

The Donald Weather Station posted on Facebook this morning about the rainfall.

It also warned of showers and storms still to come.

Meanwhile, Bendigo resident Nat Richardson took pictures and videos as heavy rainfall hit St Arnaud earlier today.

Her footage showed flash flooding in the area where her daughter lived.

Ms Richardson said the flooding subsided quickly.

The Charlton weather station, which the Bureau of Meteorology uses for both St Arnaud and Donald, has measured 2.8mm of rain since 9am. 

Elsewhere, Redesdale has received 5.6mm of rain since 9am, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The bureau records show Bendigo has received 1.8mm since 9am, and Echuca and Kyabram 2mm.

Bendigo is forecast to receive up to 10mm of rain today. There is a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

11.04am 

Heavy rain from showers and thunderstorms that could lead to flash flooding across central Victoria is due to contract to eastern districts this afternoon, then ease during the evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology said that a further five to 15mm is likely across western parts of the warning area by early afternoon, with the potential for some heavier totals up to 30mm.

10.30am

ST ARNAUD is experiencing bursts of heavy rainfall, with one visitor capturing the effects on camera.

Bendigo resident Nat Richardson was in town this morning to see her daughter, who lives about five blocks off the main street, when the rain started pelting down.

She said the downpour lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.

“It was pouring,” she said.

Her footage showed flash flooding in the area where her daughter lived, which Ms Richardson said subsided relatively quickly.

Between showers, she made an effort to clear the nearby drains of any debris. 

“It’s starting to rain again now,” Ms Richardson said.

Tuesday, 6.50am

Up to 15 millimetres of rain could hit central Victoria during during forecast storms and heavy rain on Tuesday.

Spot totals of up to 30 millimetres could fall in a two to three hour period, especially in elevated areas.

Warnings are still in place for possible flash flooding, as heavy rains are expected to develop over central Victoria during the morning before moving east during the afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast falls of between five and 15 millimetres across central Victoria due to a slow moving low pressure trough.

Maryborough, Kyneton, Castlemaine and Redesdale are among the areas which may be affected.

Emergency services have recommended that residents of affected areas not ride or drive through flood water and keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

In areas recently affected by fire heavy rainfall increases the chance of landslides and debris across roads. Run-off into waterways may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.

Monday 1.25pm: Severe storms have been forecast over much of Victoria on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday November 6.

The Bureau of Meteorology storm forecast, which runs from midnight on Monday to midnight on Tuesday, predicts that heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail are all possible.

Severe thunderstorms are “possible” in Bendigo and the area to the north of the city, while they are “likely” across the rest of central Victoria. 

Earlier: Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop across parts of central Victoria during the early hours of Tuesday, prompting a severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology.

The Bendigo, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Maryborough and Daylesford areas have a very high chance thunderstorms bringing rain and showers on Monday afternoon and evening after a humid day. 

The same weather patterns are expected to continue into Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, easing on Wednesday when snow, hail and lower temperatures are forecast.

The Bureau of Meterology said that falls across central Victoria, including Melbourne, on Tuesday are expected to be between five to 15mm, however a band of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms could result in totals up to 30mm in a two to three hour period. Falls of 15 to 30mm are possible across eastern parts of the warning area, with higher totals of 30 to 50mm across elevated areas and with thunderstorms.

The rain front should contract to eastern Victoria during the late morning and early afternoon on Tuesday then clear by the evening.

The BOM is also forecasting possible hail and snow above 1000m on Wednesday as the unpredictable spring weather continues. 

Temperatures should fall from the mid-20s on Monday and Tuesday to the mid-teens by Wednesday, although these could feel colder due to wind chill, with winds up to 35 km/h.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 

* 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, 10:58am, Tuesday.

There is a moderate risk of thunderstorm asthma in the Victoria today as storms move across the state

A moderate risk (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. 

There is a moderate risk of thunderstorm asthma in central Victoria today as storms move in ahead of Melbourne Cup Day.

A moderate risk (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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