Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 9:05 am Sunday, 17 November 2024.

HEAVY RAINFALL AND DAMAGING TO LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS OCCURRING ABOUT THE NORTHEAST.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front moving across central Victoria is moving into the northeast of the state and combining with elevated moisture feeding into the area from the north.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast with areas of rain and thunderstorms for the northeast of Victoria from Sunday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 30 to 60 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 80 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls of 100 mm possible.

Localised INTENSE RAINFALL is also possible with thunderstorms. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Locally Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are occurring about areas of elevated terrain across the northeast ranges and parts of the central ranges.

Locally DESTRUCTIVE WINDS GUSTS of around 125km/h are occurring about areas of elevated terrain over 1200 m across parts of the northeast ranges.

Heavy rainfall and Damaging winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds Sunday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Seymour, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bright and Falls Creek.

A 131 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 8:58am.

A 131 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 2:53am.

A 104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 7:20am.

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.