Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:21 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE RAINFALL OVER MELBOURNE'S OUTER NORTH WEST AND OUTER EAST.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:15 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Gisborne, Gembrook and Belgrave. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Yarra Junction, the area north of Pakenham and the area northeast of Pakenham by 5:45 pm and Sunbury, the area east of Gisborne and the area east of Pakenham by 6:15 pm.

44.0 MM WAS RECORDED AT LILYDALE LAKE IN THE 60 MINUTES TO 5:00 PM.

21.6 mm was recorded at Mt Evelyn in the 30 minutes to 5:00 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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.