Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 12:22 pm Monday, 23 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall developing on Tuesday

Weather Situation: Very high moisture links with a frontal system moving through the state on Tuesday. Areas of rainfall and embedded thunderstorms will develop during the morning and increase in the afternoon.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for central areas of the state on Tuesday. The risk of heavy rainfall is possible around the western suburbs of Melbourne from Tuesday morning, before becoming more likely as it extends over the eastern suburbs and the remainder of the warning area during the afternoon and evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 70 mm are possible. Conditions are expected to ease during Wednesday morning.

Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings may be current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Melbourne, Traralgon, Bacchus Marsh, Frankston, Warragul, Euroa, Yarra Glen, and Mansfield.

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.