Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:16 pm Wednesday, 26 January 2022.

Severe thunderstorms over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation: A very humid, unstable airmass will support continued thunderstorm activity today. An approaching upper trough will support thunderstorms into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Bendigo, Maryborough, Kyneton, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh.

Horsham recorded a wind gust of 89 km/h at 2.48 pm.

Natimuk received 19.4 mm in the 30 minutes to 3.25 pm.

Harrietville received 25.6 mm in the 30 minutes to 3.56 pm.

Stawell received 23.2 mm in the 22 minutes to 4.40 pm.

Warracknabeal recorded 32.6 mm in the 60 minutes to 5.32 pm.

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.