Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:11 pm Sunday, 8 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms in the central ranges this evening.

Weather Situation: A surface trough moves through Victoria today, with a trough lingering over the eastern ranges. These trigger thunderstorms in a moist, unstable airmass, giving rise to severe thunderstorms.

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 Maryborough, Ballarat, Daylesford, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

26.4mm have been recorded at Western Plains Emu Creek in the 60min to 5:00pm

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.