Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:42 pm Friday, 14 January 2022.

Intense rainfall recorded at Thorpdale in thunderstorms.

Weather Situation: A very humid and unstable airmass east of a trough through western Victoria will continue to see thunderstorm development today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the North East and parts of the Central, East Gippsland, Northern Country and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Wonthaggi, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Sale and Bairnsdale.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the West and South Gippsland district. Locations which may be affected include Sale and Maffra.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the North Central district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Thorpdale recorded 29.4mm in 31 minutes to 17:26

Moe South recorded 22.8mm in 30 minutes to 17:09

Lima South recorded 29.2mm in 30 minutes to 16:35

Mount Cann Fire Tower recorded 29.4mm in 30 minutes to 15:39

Mount Moornapa recorded 31.8mm of rainfall in the 42 minutes to 15:46

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.