Storm warning issued as wet weather and wind threaten

Thunderstorm warnings have been issued. (Anandu Vinod/Unsplash)

A low-pressure trough is moving across Victoria today triggering showers and thunderstorms across the state in warm and humid airmass ahead of the trough.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3.55 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Caulfield, Melbourne City, Preston, the area south of the Brisbane Ranges, Portarlington and waters off Queenscliff. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast.

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 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.

Sheep graziers are also warned that cold temperatures, rain and showers and gusty winds in the region are expected during Friday and there is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.