Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in East Gippsland, North East and parts of West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:06 pm Friday, 7 February 2025.

Severe thunderstorms will persist into the evening over eastern parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A surface trough is moving through into the eastern half of the state, and a humid and unstable airmass ahead of the trough is producing severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Thunderstorm activity is slowly contracting further east and will likely to continue into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Corryong, Bright, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

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

35mm was recorded at Greta South in the 30 minutes to 3:47pm

107 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wangaratta Airport at 3:25pm

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.