5.40pm
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The area of Victoria warned of likely severe thunderstorms has contracted east, away from the region.
2.39pm
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of the state east of Bendigo, including parts of central Victoria.
Severe storms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and large hailstones in the coming several hours.
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
- Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency
Earlier
Parts of central Victoria could see storms on Thursday afternoon as the region swelters through another warm and humid day.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Richard Russell said there was potential for severe storms in the central and eastern districts of the state.
Mr Russell said the main concern was heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding, but damaging winds and large hail were also possibilities with the storms.
"Looking at another very warm, humid and unstable day across the majority of the state," Mr Russell said on Thursday morning.
"The main focus for activity across Victoria from our perspective will be through central and eastern districts, during the course of the afternoon and into the evening.
"Starting in the central district, we've got a trough across the state there, it will continue to move eastwards and that will be the main focus of thunderstorm development as the day progresses, although it is still very unstable right across eastern Victoria."
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Mr Russell said the very nature of storms meant they were hit and miss, but they were expected to move southeasterly so he advised people to keep on eye on the horizon to the west and northwest.
In central Victoria, the thunderstorm asthma forecast is set at moderate in the North Central and Central districts - which include such towns as Castlemaine, Maryborough, and Kyneton - and low in the Northern Country, encompassing Bendigo and Echuca.
The forecast is severe in South and West Gippsland.
Pollen levels are high across much of the state, including the North Central and Central districts, and moderate in the Northern Country.
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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.
