Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES for people in the Mallee, Wimmera, parts of the South West and Riverland Forecast Districts.
Severe thunderstorms are ongoing in the northwest, expected to develop in the southwest.
The threat level in areas such as Murrayville and Walpeup has been reduced… earlier in the evening residents were told “If you are located in Murrayville and Walpeup, you are in danger. You should immediately move indoors to stay safe.”
Weather Situation: A strong cold front is moving over western parts of Victoria this evening and has triggered severe thunderstorm activity in northwestern parts of the state. Severe thunderstorms ongoing in South Australia are also expected to move into southwestern parts of Victoria in the next couple of hours.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and possibly large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Walpeup, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Hamilton and Portland.
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.
Images: https://pixabay.com/photos/thunder-thunderstorm-purple-storm-953118/ and https://pixabay.com/photos/rain-weather-pool-rainy-weather-5213306/
