Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mallee and parts of East Gippsland, Northern Country and Wimmera Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:56 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall over the Mallee this afternoon. Severe thunderstorms east of Bairnsdale producing heavy rainfall and possible large hail.

Weather Situation: A humid airmass is combining with the passage of a slow moving trough of low-pressure to generate severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Mallee and parts of the Northern Country and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Swan Hill, Ouyen, Kerang, Walpeup and Robinvale.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and possible large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the East Gippsland district.

26.8 mm was recorded at Macalister River (Glencairn) in the 30 minutes to 3:12 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.
* 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.