Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:06 am Thursday, 27 January 2022.

HEAVY RAIN IS OCCURRING WITH SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN PARTS OF CENTRAL VICTORIA.

Weather Situation: A very humid, unstable airmass will support continued thunderstorm activity through parts of the state.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Wonthaggi, Morwell, Traralgon, Warragul, Moe and Mt Baw Baw.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the North Central and North East districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Arthurs Creek has recorded 41.6mm in the hour to 8:02 am and 57.8mm in the 2.5 hours to 8:41am

Coldstream has recorded 37.2mm in the hour to 8:46am

Warburton recorded 45.4mm in the 2 hours to 9:58am

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.