Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of Central and Northern Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:56 pm Sunday, 19 December 2021.
Squally thunderstorms across Victoria today

Weather Situation: A cold front over central Victoria will continue to move rapidly east today . A strong upper atmospheric system will further support thunderstorms near and east of the cold front.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the East Gippsland, North East and parts of the West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Wodonga, Corryong, Bright, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Falls Creek.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of the Central, East Gippsland, Northern Country and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Seymour, Melbourne, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Mallee, South West and Wimmera districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Yarrawonga recorded a wind gust of 100 km/h at 12:40pm
Essendon recorded a gust of 100km/h at 2:43pm
Fawkner Beacon recorded a gust of 115 km/h at 2:34pm
St Kilda recorded a gust of 102km/h at 2:42pm

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.