Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with severe thunderstorms are threatening over parts of central Victoria, including the Yarra Ranges, with further severe thunderstorms developing over the next few hours.
A deep low-pressure system situated over southwestern Victoria is moving eastwards across southern Victoria, with a warm and humid airmass ahead of it, supporting the development of severe thunderstorms today.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1.15 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near the area east of Pakenham and the area south of Warburton. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.
Senior Meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Angus Hines said in Victoria, severe storms could bring any of the three; wind, rain or hail.
“Currently as things stand at the time of filming which is shortly before midday Australian Eastern Daylight time, we’ve got one severe thunderstorm warning in place around Central, Eastern Central and Western Victoria and there are some large thunderstorm cells in this area at the moment,” he said.
“But I do have to remind you severe thunderstorm warnings are only issued when we see those thunderstorms developing, that means they’ve got a short time span, they’ve got a short lifecycle and it’s very likely we will see further warnings issued, added to and updated throughout the course of the day so do stay on top of the warnings,”
“The thunderstorms which are already occurring as well as the thunderstorms still to come could bring a variety of storm impacts including but not limited to; flash flooding which could impact roads, properties and houses, power outages and those strong winds and that large hail can damage cars, can damage property and can damage crops as well.”
Ausnet has been preparing for outages in the Yarra Ranges and elsewhere from late Thursday night into early Saturday and have some tips to help people be power-prepared:
Life support customers, please be ready to activate your emergency plan. Call our priority line anytime on 1800 818 832.
Have battery operated torches and radios in a place easy to access – keep spare batteries handy too
Charge your battery packs so they’re ready to power your mobile phones
Keep some cash on hand in case electronic payment systems go down during an outage
Make sure you can open your garage or fence manually so you can leave your home if the power goes out
If you have an electric water pump, stock up on bottled water
Fill an esky with ice in to keep your food and drinks cool
If your power goes out, check Outage Tracker for latest restoration times: outagetracker.com.au
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.
Sheep graziers are also warned that cold temperatures, rain and showers and gusty winds in the region are expected during Friday and there is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.
