Update, 3pm
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A HEALTHY 6.6 millimetres of rain hit Bendigo just after 2.30pm accompanied by bursts of thunder.
The Bureau of Meterology has warned of heavy falls and large hailstones in the Northern Country, North Central district and the Mallee.
It comes as reports filter in of severe hailstorms in NSW and the ACT, damaging cars and buildings.
The Bureau has warned severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rain, that might lead to flash flooding. Swan Hill, Bendigo, Echuca and Castlemaine may all be affected.
Severe thunderstorms in Gippsland have delivered falls of up to 51 millimetres in an hour in some areas.
The State Emergency Service has warned people to check loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured, and move vehicles under cover.
OTHER NEWS:
People should stay indoors and away from windows, and if outdoors move to a safe place indoors.
The SES also urged people to avoid travel if possible, avoid floodwater and low lying areas, and to stay clear of fallen power lines.
Earlier
THE storm missed Bendigo yesterday but there could still be a chance for rain in central Victoria today.
A severe weather warning is in place for a large part of Victoria including the Bendigo region.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning at 5am on Monday for the central, northern country, north central, north east, west and south Gippsland and parts of east Gippsland and south west forecast districts.
Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
Heavy rainfall between 10 and 30 millimetres is expected in the warning area as a result of a low pressure system over southern New South Wales. The forecast expects the system to move over to the eastern part of Victoria.
The warning says flash flooding may be possible in parts of the state as a result of the heavy rainfall.
Much of the rainfall may fall in periods of four to six hours during the afternoon and evening with a Flood Watch current for fire affected catchments in North East Victoria and East Gippsland.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
- 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.
- 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 VicEmergency.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11am.