Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Outer East and parts of South East, Western Port and Inner East Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 3:25 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING INTENSE RAINFALL OVER THE EASTERN SUBURBS OF MELBOURNE.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:20 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Belgrave and Berwick. This thunderstorm is moving towards the southeast. It is forecast to affect Pakenham, Gembrook and South Pakenham by 3:35 pm and Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang and the area east of Pakenham by 3:50 pm.

22.2 mm was recorded at Konagaderra in the 30 minutes to 2:45 pm.

32.2 mm was recorded at Gisborne in the 1 hour 2:24 pm.

38.4 mm was recorded at Spring Hill in the 1 hour 15 minutes to 2:00 pm.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also current for Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Northern Country, North East, Wimmera, East Gippsland, Mallee and South West Forecast Districts. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.