Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera Forecast Districts.

Issued at 9:29 pm Sunday, 2 February 2025.

Severe thunderstorms continue west of Melbourne this evening, with further development out west.

Weather Situation: A line of severe thunderstorms is located west of Melbourne, roughly located between Ballan and Geelong, heading slowly towards the east. Further west in the South West and Wimmera, severe thunderstorms are still developing.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Stawell, Maryborough, Kyneton, Ballarat, Geelong and Bacchus Marsh.

In fire affected areas heavy rainfall increases the risk of debris flows, runoff may carry ash, soil, rocks and vegetation onto roads and tracks and into waterways.

35.4 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT LARA IN THE 1 HOUR TO 7:33 PM.

109 km/h wind gust was recorded at Point Wilson at 9:07 pm.

25.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Shelford in the 30 minutes to 8:00 pm.

96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Frankston Beach at 7:29 pm.

90 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon Airport at 6:47 pm.

22.4 mm of rainfall was recorded at Geelong Racecourse in the 30 minutes to 7:00 pm.

19.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Moolap in the 30 minutes to 7:04 pm.

124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Gellibrand (west of Geelong) at 5:23 pm.

2cm hailstones were observed at Tootgarook around 2:30 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.