Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 9:03 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS OVER PARTS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS. Other severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation: Slow-moving thunderstorms are continuing in a very humid environment, bringing heavy to intense rainfall and damaging winds to parts of Victoria this evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee, South West, North Central, Wimmera, Central and Northern Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Maryborough, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Edenhope and Birchip.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the North Central, Wimmera and parts of the Central, Mallee, South West, Northern Country and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Stawell and Hamilton.

34.2 MM WAS RECORDED AT KELLALAC (WARRACKNABEAL AIRPORT) IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 8:36 PM.

35.8 MM WAS RECORDED AT BROADFORD IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 7:48 PM.

42.4 MM WAS RECORDED AT HORSHAM IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 7:30 PM.

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

27.4 mm was recorded at Edenhope Airport in the 30 minutes to 8:18 pm.

27.4 mm was recorded at Longerenong in the 60 minutes to 8:12 pm.

124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Horsham Airport at 07:03 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.