Wednesday, 3.45pm
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A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for Maryborough, Castlemaine and Kyneton.
Thunderstorms and flash flooding are expected across much of the state as a weather system sweeps through later on Wednesday.
Bendigo and areas to that city's north are also expecting showers and possible storms but they are not expected to be as extreme, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
People in the warning zone should also prepare for large hailstones and strong winds.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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.
- Be aware - 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.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
Tuesday, 5.30pm
While ex-tropical cyclone Seth threatened the northern states late last week, the Bureau of Meteorology has said this could cause some changes to weather throughout Victoria in the coming days.
Senior forecaster Christie Johnson said north and central Victorians could see some wet, humid and stormy weather later this week.
"From Wednesday, we're going to see tropical air starting to be dragged down due to ex-tropical cyclone Seth, bringing humid and unstable conditions to Victoria," she said.
"Widespread thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with the potential for storms to produce severe weather, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
"Heavy rainfall, that could lead to flash flooding, is the most likely severe phenomenon but we could also see damaging wind gusts and possibly large hail as well."
Ms Johnson said the Mallee and Wimmera districts could see some major rainfalls recorded.
"Widespread rainfall totals from 10-30 mm are likely across all but the far west and north-west of Victoria for each of the next three days," she said.
"However, heavy showers and thunderstorms will bring locally heavy rainfall with totals of up to 80 mm possible each day.
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"Potential for some minor riverine flooding later this week but due to the hit and miss nature of the rainfall, it's hard to be definitive about which rivers will flood.
Ms Johnson also said some parts of the state could see winds pick up.
"Winds will also be picking up tomorrow, especially over southern areas and there is the risk of damaging wind gusts across areas such as Wilsons Promontory, the Otways and Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas," she said.
"Damaging wind gusts are possible elsewhere across the State with the thunderstorms."
The Bureau has also issued advice for stone fruit growers in the northern part of the state.
"Stone fruit growers in parts of the north central and north east forecast districts are advised that rainfall and accompanying high humidity during Wednesday are conducive to a heavy outbreak of brown rot," a spokesperson said.
"Stone fruit growers in parts of the Northern Country forecast district are advised that rainfall and accompanying high humidity during Wednesday may be conducive to an outbreak of brown rot."
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