Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 5:39 pm Thursday, 15 January 2026.

Severe storms persisting across parts of the north and east this evening.

Weather Situation: An upper-level low pressure system is generating slow moving showers and thunderstorms over parts of the north and east this evening. Severe thunderstorms may also have the additional hazards of large hail and damaging winds for about the next hour.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in the East Gippsland and parts of the Northern Country, North East, West and South Gippsland and North Central districts. Locations which may be affected include Orbost, Bright, Falls Creek, Mansfield, Mallacoota, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo and Rochester.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the East Gippsland and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Bairnsdale.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Central and South West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Significant rainfall observations:

50.6 MM AT THE GORGE (GENOA RIVER) IN THE 1 HOUR TO 5;15 PM.

67.0 MM AT MT CANN FIRE TOWER IN THE 1 HOUR TO 4:06 PM.

59.8 MM AT LICOLA IN THE 1 HOUR TO 3:37 PM.

176.2 MM AT MT COWLEY IN THE 6 HOURS TO 3:00 PM.

88.4 MM AT BENWERRIN IN THE 3 HOUR TO 3:00 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.