7.10pm
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The severe weather warning has been removed for the Bendigo regions as the storm moves on to the west of the state.
The warning has now been issued for the south-west region which includes some parts of the Wimmera.
According to the VicEmergency website, severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Stawell, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Colac, Ararat and Lake Bolac.
A wind gust of 87km/h was recorded at 2.45pm.
Kororoit Creek in the western suburbs of Melbourne recorded 21.6mm of rain in about 30 minutes to 3pm.
Ararat recorded 32mm in the 30min to 5.15pm.
4.50pm
A minor flood warning has been issued for the Avoca River up to the Charlton township.
The Avoca River at Yawong Weir is currently at 2.85 m and rising (minor flood level 3.0 m) and may reach the minor flood level in the next few hours.
The river level at Charlton township is currently at 3.28 metres and steady.
It is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday.
The river level may reach around 4.50 metres by Friday afternoon.
SES advises that all community members should:
- Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater,
- Never allow children to play in floodwater,
- Stay away from waterways and stormwater drains during and after heavy rain,
- Keep well clear of fallen power lines
What you should do:
- Be prepared to act if your situation changes.
- You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
- Farmers should consider moving livestock and machinery to higher ground.
- Monitor weather forecasts and river levels online by visiting www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings.
Impacts in your area:
- High river levels and potential flooding in areas close to rivers and streams.
- Local roads may be closed and low bridges may be underwater.
2.50pm
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Daylesford and surrounds on Thursday afternoon.
They have advised people to be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe thunderstorm, including flash flooding, trees down and fallen power lines.
What you should do:
- Park your car undercover and away from trees.
- Stay inside if conditions outside appear dangerous.
- Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
- Be prepared for flash flooding.
- Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
If you are driving:
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low lying areas and floodwater.
- Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- For road closure information, check the VicTraffic website, contact your local council or call VicRoads (13 11 70).
You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency.
For severe weather related emergency assistance from the SES, phone 132 500.
Impacts in the area:
The potential impacts of thunderstorms in your area include:
- Building damage
- Fallen power lines
- Fallen trees and branches
- Flash flooding
- Landslides
- Overflowing drains and gutters
- Broken windows
- Damage to vehicles
- Flooding in properties and homes
- Dangerous road conditions.
Earlier
A severe weather warning has been issued for Bendigo and other northern parts of the state on Thursday afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
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.
The next warning is due to be issued by 4.55 pm.
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