Wednesday 4.13pm
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A severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rain has been updated, with the warning area expanded to include more towns.
Bendigo, Maryborough and Castlemaine also fall under the warning area, as well as St Arnaud and Kerang.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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
- Be aware that 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
- 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
Earlier
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rain for part of central Victoria on Wednesday.
The northwest part of the region is warned that thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding over the coming several hours.
Kerang and St Arnaud are among the locations that could be affected.
More local news:
- Charges laid over thefts of jewellery worth more than $72,000
- Bendigo mayor among Regional Cities Victoria leaders
- Towns near Bendigo to get organic waste collection
But there could be thunderstorms across more of the region on Wednesday.
"We're expecting thunderstorm activity across Victoria today, and then extending into tomorrow," senior meteorologist Richard Russell said early on Wednesday afternoon.
Central and eastern parts of the state could expect thunderstorm activity on Thursday, Mr Russell said, especially in the east where severe storms could occur.
Mr Russell said stormy activity was likely to hit the central districts in the early afternoon on Thursday.
After a warm and humid couple of days, the end of the week is likely to bring slightly cooler temperatures to the region.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
