Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Country and North East Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:34 pm Tuesday, 26 November 2024.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WITH POSSIBLE DESTRUCTIVE WINDS APPROACHING WANGARATTA.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms are developing in unstable conditions triggered by a trough extending from western NSW through eastern Victoria.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Country and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Yarrawonga, Wodonga and Wangaratta.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North East and Northern Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Wangaratta.

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

24mm in the 30 minutes to 5:15pm recorded at Osbornes Flat.

119 km/h wind gust recorded at Rutherglen at 4:01pm.

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.