Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 12:16 pm Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Severe storms are likely over a large area of the state during the afternoon.

Weather Situation: A broad surface trough and deepening low pressure system are expected to move through the state today. Scattered severe thunderstorms are likely to develop throughout the northwest, central and northeast during the afternoon, eventually contracting to the east by the late afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Wangaratta, Swan Hill, Echuca and Ouyen.

93 km/h wind dust was recorded at Falls Creek at 11:16 am.

51.4 mm was recorded at Ovens River (Harrietville) in the 3 hours to 10:18 am.

42.4 mm was recorded at Halls (Buckland River) in the 2 hours to 10:15 am.

38.4 mm was recorded at Edi Upper in the 1 hour to 9:17 am.

27.4 mm was recorded at Mount Buffalo Chalet in the 30 minutes to 9:01 am.

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.